Robson praise for Ameobi

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson tipped striker Shola Ameobi to one day reach the heights scaled by Marseille hitman Didier Drogba after seeing his UEFA Cup dream ripped apart.

United were floored by two excellent finishes by the French Footballer of the Year as Jose Anigo’s men marched into a showdown with Spanish giants Valencia in Gothenburg on May 19.

But 22-year-old Ameobi, handed his chance in the absence of the injured Craig Bellamy, again proved his worth on the European stage after his Champions League exploits at Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen last season to suggest he could have a bright future.

“I have always said that about Shola,” said a deflated Robson after seeing his club’s 35-year wait for a trophy extended for at least another season. “He is on a learning curve, he is getting experience, he is getting an education, he is getting better.

“On the evidence of this and against Chelsea, he is going to be a fine player for us. He might be as good as the fella who played in a white shirt, who is some player.”

That man in white was Drogba, who made the most of Hugo Viana’s 18th-minute slip and the service which that allowed Camel Meriem to provide him to open the scoring, and then wrapped up victory eight minutes from time by rounding off a well-worked free-kick routine.