SHOLA Ameobi has backed his younger brother Sammy to be a “superstar” at Newcastle United – if he keeps his feet on the ground.
Ameobi Jnr has created winning goals in the club’s last two games.
The 20-year-old’s injury-time shot from distance against West Bromwich Albion at St James’s Park on Sunday cannoned off Papiss Demba Cisse and into the net to give Newcastle all three points.
And Ameobi, on standby to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday with top-scorer Demba Ba in the treatment room, created Gabriel Obertan’s winner against Club Brugge three days earlier with a superb run and pass.
The England Under-21 international forced his way into manager Alan Pardew’s plans last season.
And United’s manager has high hopes for the younger sibling of long-serving striker Shola, also a contender to start against Liverpool.
For his part, Ameobi Snr – who is in his 13th first-team campaign at the club – believes Sammy can surpass all his achievements at St James’s Park if he backs up his undoubted gift with hard graft.
“He could surpass me in every single category – I’ve got no qualms about that statement,” Ameobi told the Gazette.
“I feel, as a player, he’s got everything. He’s still very young, but I can see his qualities.
“And I know if he really wants it, he can be a superstar at this club. I truly believe that.
“He can surpass everything – goals and games – because he’s got the physical attributes, and he’s got the temperament for it, certainly.
“The skill is there for all to see, and it’s just a case of honing it and making sure he continues to work hard and improve.”
Ameobi’s only senior competitive goal, to date, came in a League Cup tie away to Scunthorpe United last season. He has made three appearances for United this season after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Twitter: @milesstarforth
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