Newcastle United FC

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Roeder backs Ameobi return

14 Apr 2007 - 11:10:40

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Newcastle United manager Glenn Roeder has backed striker Shola Ameobi to enjoy his best-ever season next term, following his recent injury problems.

The 25-year-old is battling back to full fitness following hip surgery and has not featured for the Magpies since mid-November, but Roeder is pleased with Ameobi's recovery.

He commented: "Shola had a career-threatening injury, but he is now looking terrific in training.

"He often says to me 'Glenn, I had forgotten what it was like to be pain-free, it is a great feeling to be able to move and stride without any thought in my mind that it is going to hurt me'.

"I do not know how many games Shola is going to play this year, but I know next year you will see a Shola Ameobi no-one has ever seen before.

"I think Shola will have the best season of his career."

Ameobi has been with Newcastle since the summer of 2000 and has scored 46 goals in 219 appearances for the Tyneside club.