Shola Ameobi's return to action on Monday showed what an asset he can be to the team. So far the challenge for Toon 'top scorer' has been a three-horse race, but . . has Shola time (and ability) to catch Andy Carroll? Carroll will be missing at Peterborough on Saturday (if the rumours are true) due to a slight injury picked up against Forest, so Ameobi is expected to start. Carroll leads the way with 16 goals in all competitions this season, Ameobi has nine. Goals in all competitions: 1 ANDY CARROLL 16 2 PETER LOVENKRANDS 14 3 KEVIN NOLAN 13 However, the Championship leader is Cardiff's Peter Whittingham with 19 goals, and the nearest Toon player to him is again Andy Carroll (with 14). 1 Peter Whittingham Cardiff City 19 2 Charlie Adam Blackpool 15 Billy Sharp Doncaster Rovers 15 Nicky Maynard Bristol City 15 5 Michael Chopra Cardiff City 14 Andrew Carroll Newcastle United 14 7 Robert Earnshaw Nottingham Forest 13 Darren Ambrose Crystal Palace 13 9 Darius Henderson Sheffield United 12 Kevin Nolan Newcastle United 12 Dexter Blackstock Nottingham Forest 12 Gary Hooper Scunthorpe United 12 Jay Simpson Queens Park Rangers 12 Daniel Bogdanovic Barnsley 12
