Source: PA
Pardew lays down challenge to strikers
Alan Pardew has challenged strikers Shola Ameobi and Leon Best to prove Newcastle can cope without star man Andy Carroll.
The 22-year-old England international has missed the last four games with a thigh injury, and is also expected to sit out the next three weeks with the damage showing few signs of healing quickly.
However, Ameobi's strike at Wigan and Best's hat-trick against West Ham three days later each secured three precious points in his absence, and it was Ameobi who created the goal which took the Magpies to within seconds of derby victory at Sunderland last weekend.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's tough home Barclays Premier League clash with fifth-placed Tottenham, the manager said: "Especially with Leon, he has produced in the two Premier League games.
"The challenge is in front of him to produce that level. Shola, as we know, can play for this club. He has shown that over many years.
"They have the shirts at the moment and if they produce the same work-rate they did at Sunderland, they have every chance of keeping them."
