Is Ameobi Good Enough?
Last updated : 21 October 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
Kevin Keegan wanted him out the door, make no mistake, and the fans have made fun of him more than once.
Even last night, when he scored Newcastle's first goal, if he'd caught the ball the way he intended I think it would have ended in Row ZZ. But he miss-hit the ball and it found its way into the net.
Joe Kinnear has had little option but to play him, as we all know Oba Martins, Mark Viduka, Michael Owen and Alan Smith would have been ahead of him ... had they been fit.
But Shola would like to thank Joe (via the official website) for keeping the faith: "Working with Joe has given me confidence.
"It's playing my position, it's getting me into the old habits again, the old routines I used to have and playing as a centre-forward, which is obviously where I want to play.
"It's getting me playing up top and staying there and being a target man for the team.
"I certainly enjoy playing that role and hopefully I will get a chance to play there a bit more.
"Obviously, it's been a tough four or five weeks for us as a club and certainly, the arrival of Joe Kinnear has livened the place up.
"The result against Everton was great for us and our confidence, the fightback we had there, and the morale in the camp has been raised.
"Certainly, it is testament to what Joe has brought. He has brought a confidence back to us."
Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear is confident Sholacan re-launch his career on Tyneside.
Kinnear: "It's going to give him massive confidence. It's a long time since he has actually stuck one away.
"But I believe he has got all the ability to make himself a decent striker.
"He has got power, pace, strength. He has possibly not been punching his weight in the past, I don't know really.
"I can only go on what I see, and he has been exceptionally good for me in training.
"He has sent out all the right messages. He is a hungry fighter."
