Can Shola Edge Out Shearer?

Last updated : 11 October 2005 By Footy Mad - Editor

Shola Ameobi has already said he wants to be part of the England team that goes to the World Cup in June, which brought a smile to us all, and now he knows he has to edge out Alan Shearer and establish himself in the Newcastle first team before he can look to Germany.

With Michael Owen's recent arrival at St James' Park, it seems likely that Ameobi will be in for a frustrating season on the bench, but the striker is determined to play his part.

"It is a challenge for me to stay involved with the first team," Ameobi told the club's official website. "It's all about challenges, that's what spurs us all on. Michael Chopra is doing the same in the reserves; he wants to prove he's worth a chance.

"If I get the chance at Wigan I'll be a lot sharper than I was at Portsmouth, and the team will get a lot more out of me than they did at Portsmouth. I just have to keep giving it my all and keep giving it my best and hopefully it will turn for me. I'm confident it will."