Hughton backing Ameobi
Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton is backing Shola Ameobi to score the goals that will push Newcastle up the Premier League next season.
Ameobi was far too inconsistent the last time that Newcastle were in the Premier League but Hughton insists that the striker has come a long way and matured greatly over the last season.
Ameobi has played a large part in many different Newcastle sides and now a lot of the club's fans will be looking towards him to make an impression next season. This already creates pressure on the player but this doesn't seem to be something that affects him.
Ameobi has a number of qualities that should ensure he scores goals and does very well next season. However, Newcastle are greatly weakened from the strong force they were in the Premier League over a decade ago.
Quality
One thing that Ameobi has plenty of is pace and control. It's very important for a striker to be able to control the ball while he is moving very quickly towards the opposition goal.
He is Newcastle through and through and he is ready to give everything for the team. He has stuck by them through some difficult times and the fans will respect him for this. It will also mean the club stands a much better chance of getting the most out of him because he is happy.
Ameobi is a very versatile player who can drop off from the front or push forward and hold the ball up. Newcastle will not have it all their own way during the course of the season and it's important that all players in the side can adapt.
Hughton said: "He has two great feet and he is good in the air as well. He is real quality and with his ability you know he is always going to score goals. He has a big part to play in our squad this season. It was only the injury that stopped him having a really big impact for us last season."
Different
Many are predicting Newcastle to struggle in the Premier League because the league is much different to when they were relegated two seasons ago. The sides are now much stronger and all teams have higher quality squads.
This will mean that more sides can compete and it's going to be more difficult for Newcastle to score goals and keep them out at the other end of the pitch. Ameobi and the other players have to all be on song if differences in quality are to be stamped out.
Ameobi added: "I am not as sharp as I would want to be at this stage but that will come soon enough. Hopefully, it's going to be a big season for me and a big season for Newcastle as well. If I can stay clear of injuries this time I am determined to have a big impact and to score goals. But when you play for a big club like Newcastle you know that you are expected to do it every game — not just occasionally."
Advice
Newcastle should just about stay up next season but it's going to be difficult for them. The squad has been changed and weakened while other sides in the Premier League have been strengthening.
Ameobi should score a few goals during the course of the season if he can manage to stay fit. He is not likely to be the top scorer but he should net goals regularly against some of the weaker sides in the division so don't be afraid to back him to be Newcastle's top scorer.
Tags: