Source: PA
Ameobi enjoying injury-free spell
Shola Ameobi is happy to share the responsibility of firing Newcastle to Barclays Premier League safety and schooling a new generation of strikers.
The 29-year-old served a timely reminder of his prowess in front of goal by claiming a derby day double in last Sunday's 5-1 rout of arch-rivals Sunderland to confirm his recovery from yet another injury lay-off.
Ameobi, Nigeria-born but Tyneside-raised, has endured more than his fair share of fitness problems, including a career-threatening hip condition since emerging from the ranks as a raw teenager.
He made his debut as a substitute in a 0-0 Barclays Premier League draw with Chelsea on September 9 2000 and a little more than 10 years on will hope to line-up alongside rising star Andy Carroll at Arsenal on Sunday determined to wring every last second out of the time he has left in the game.
He said: "It's certainly been a ride. Ten years - it certainly doesn't feel like that. Time flies - you don't realise how quickly things go. I have to enjoy every minute of it because obviously, the lifespan of the average footballer isn't that long.
"Hopefully, I have still got a few miles left in the tank. I know I have still got a lot to give and God willing, hope I can stay injury-free and help Newcastle achieve what we are trying to achieve here. I have never shied away from the responsibility. I know if I am being asked to lead the line, I am very comfortable doing that. I have always said if I am playing, I know I can score goals on a regular basis, which I have proved, I believe, in the past."
