Ameobi relieved to be back on scoresheet

Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi put his own discomfort to one side to stake his claim as Alan Shearer’s long-term replacement.

The 23-year-old hitman, who will have an operation to repair a hip injury at the end of the season, was paired with Dutchman Patrick Kluivert at Craven Cottage in the absence of the rested Shearer last night, and got his reward with his first Barclays Premiership goal since New Year’s Day.