Sir Bobby Robson's very first Newcastle signing, Kevin Gallacher, knows what it is like to lead the line at St James' Park, and says that Shola Ameobi is capable of doing the job if called upon new season.
Robson made some dodgy signings in his time, but he got full value for money from the ex-Blackburn Rovers striker.
Gallacher: "Let's be fair - whoever was going to be a striker at Newcastle after Alan retired was always going to be talked about as a replacement. But that's a tall order to replace Alan Shearer. If you want that sort of quality it comes at a cost.
"Shola is still a quality player, and having worked with him at Newcastle you could always see he had the ability and still has. He can score goals, but like any young player you just have to keep your head down and work.
"If he approaches training every day thinking he is going to try twice as hard, then for me he is a candidate for the England squad.
"Top-class strikers like Alan or Michael Owen aren't cheap. And you also need a bit of luck in the transfer market. Things could not have worked against Newcastle in a more cruel manner with Michael getting hurt so soon after Alan retired. But Michael will be back around the Christmas mark I expect.
"There is a burden on Newcastle to win something and I think if that can disappear a little bit, it will help them. Yes it has been a long time, but I think if the fans are a bit more patient it can ease the pressure a bit. When I was there we came close and got to the semi-finals of the FA Cup against Chelsea, and lost after coming so close, so I know how it feels.
"We played well against Chelsea that day and if it wasn't for a couple of bad errors we could have won something that year. It is all about getting over that first hurdle."