Ameobi feared for career
19 Apr 2007 - 12:05:58
Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi feared his career was over after being forced to undergo hip surgery in a bid to cure a long-term problem.
The former England under-21 international scored in a reserve team win over Middlesbrough during midweek as he stepped up his comeback from the injury that has kept him sidelined since November.
The 25-year-old played through the pain barrier towards the end of last season and the opening months of this campaign, before being sent to renowned surgeon Dr Richard Steadman in Colorado in a last-ditch bid to cure what has become a career-threatening injury.
"There was a time when I thought my career was over - I didn't want to make that public until now," Ameobi told the Newcastle Chronicle.
"The backroom staff and the medical team knew the injury would not go away unless it was sorted out properly.
"All credit to them and the guys in Colorado at the surgery.
"I have had the problem for two years and it was career- threatening.
"I can say that now. But I never wanted to think about it as I wanted to get it right. Thankfully that has happened now."