Shola hopes kid brother Sammy grows into great

Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi is backing younger brother Sammy to surpass him as the pair prepare to launch a double assault on Europe.

The Ameobis would become the third pair of siblings to start a senior competitive game for the Magpies if manager Alan Pardew gives them the nod against Club Brugge at St James’ Park tonight after George and Ted Robledo in the 1950s and Matty and Richard Appleby four decades later.

Striker Shola, pictured, now 31, broke into the first-team squad under Bobby Robson as a teenager and now midfielder Sammy, almost 11 years his junior, is attempting to do the same.