The powers-that-be at St James’ Park are probably grateful that Tottenham’s current ‘crisis’ has meant that it’s the White Hart Lane club who are dominating the sports pages at the moment, rather than Newcastle’s current plight. Against Manchester City on Monday night, they have an opportunity to clamber out of the bottom three, with a certain Magpies front man keen to be the main man for the team.

It’s possible that Obafemi Martins will return for United this evening, as they bid to win their second match of the season. However, AFP reports that Shola Ameobi wants Joe Kinnear to give him a chance against City, claiming that he can do some damage for the team in a central striking role.

“The game is about moving on and certainly, I thought that was the case for me, but it wasn’t to be,” said Ameobi.

“I have just got to make the most of where I am, I have always said that, and hopefully I can help this team climb up the table.”

Ameobi said: “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.”

The gangly striker nearly signed for Ipswich in the summer, failing a medical at Portman Road just as he was about to pack up his bags on Tyneside. They say that all things happen for a reason, and with Michael Owen out injured, do Newcastle fans think that Ameobi can make a vital contribution in what is sure to be a difficult season at St James’ Park this term?

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