Shola's bombshell for Newcastle
SHOLA Ameobi has dropped a bombshell on Newcastle United by declaring his intention to go to the African Nations Cup with Nigeria.
And the striker – set to return to training next week after three months out through injury – is set for talks with boss Chris Hughton, and the Nigeria Football Federation.
Should Ameobi – who has been courted by the Super Eagles in the past – be called up for the African Nations Cup, he could be away for the bulk of January.
And Hughton is seeking to clarify Ameobi's intentions given his importance to his attack.
"It's one I intend to talk to Shola about very soon," Hughton told the Gazette.
"I was only made aware of it today, and I'll see what his thoughts are.
"My only concern at this moment is making sure that we have Shola fit for Newcastle.
"We need him as soon as possible because he's missed three months after having a really good start to the season.
"At this moment our thoughts are on him producing for us.
"I've got to have that conversation. Shola's a good lad. He's a thoughtful lad, and if he's thinking there's an opportunity to play at international level, I can understand that.
"Until I speak to him, which I need to do, I can't really say any more."
Ameobi represented England at Under-21 level, but having not made the senior squad, he is eligible to play for Nigeria, one of the powerhouses of African football, and he has made plain his intention to play in the game's biggest tournament, next summer's World Cup in South Africa.
The 28-year-old said: "The African Nation Cup is the same for us as the European Championships is in Europe. It's a tournament I would love to play in.
"It was a great honour for me to represent England at Under-21 level, and my mum and dad were so proud of me, but they would love to see me play for Nigeria.
"I see myself as Nigerian, I was born and bred there.
"It's not about changing allegiances. I've got Nigerian roots and I'm proud of my country – the country where I was born and spent the first five or six years of my life.
"Playing at the World Cup is the pinnacle of any player's career. It's what you dream of and if I can do that with Nigeria then that would be fantastic for me.
"They have been in touch before to see whether I was interested. In the past, I chose not to so I could concentrate on helping Newcastle.
"But I have reached a stage in my career where I would love to play international football and realistically it's not going to happen with England."
Ameobi, should be make a successful return to training from the foot injury he suffered in August, could be back for the game against Swansea City on November 28.
Meanwhile, winger Jonas Gutierrez has recovered from the thigh problem he picked up against Peterborough United, and will be in the squad for Monday night's game at Preston North End.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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