The striker – who had made just two appearances under Kevin Keegan, who last week told him he had to work harder to force his way into his plans – yesterday joined the promotion-chasing Championship club on an deadline day emergency loan until the end of the season.

And his long St James's Park career – which has spanned eight seasons since his memorable debut against Chelsea in September 2000 – appears all but over, with Ameobi having dropped well down the pecking order this term under Sam Allardyce and now Keegan.

But for the moment, all the 26-year-old – who has scored 46 goals for Newcastle – is focused on his helping Stoke into the Premier League for the first time.

Ameobi said: "I've come here to give my all. I hope I've come here to add that extra quality to ensure this club goes into the Premiership next season.

"First and foremost, I've come to score goals.

"Hopefully, I can grab one or two and also bring in some of the play I know I can produce to help us reach that target of Premiership football.

"I hope to get a few goals, a few assists and just work hard for the team, which I know the manager wants from all his players.

"To be given the opportunity by the manager to come and play was music to my ears.

"I'm just excited, and hopefully I can come and help the club get into the Premiership."

The Potters are understood to have paid a six-figure fee to take the former England Under-21 international on loan.

He has gone straight into Tony Pulis's squad for tomorrow's game against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, and Ameobi is determined to make the most of his chance at the Britannia Stadium.

He added: "Football's what matters to me, and I've been given the opportunity to get out of a club when I'm not playing.

"I'm delighted to be here, regardless of whether it's the Premiership or Championship.

"I know a few of the guys here, like Griff (Andy Griffin), and I heard it's a great club.

I've been trying to get out and get a few games, so I was delighted when I got the phone call."

Ameobi has another year left on his United contract, and should Stoke gain promotion, then Pulis may attempt to make the move permanent.