ROBSON CHALLENGES SHOLA AMEOBI

The 22-year-old came off the bench at half-time and scored his sixth and seventh goals of the season.

"It will do him a lot of good," said Robson.

"I've said to him `A week's a long time in football, son, well done. You've done very well'.

"He's grasped his opportunity. I had a word with him before the game about why he was out and what he could do for us if he had to come on, and the boy has responded very well. I'm delighted.

"I like Shola. Shola will be a good player here but he's got to watch Alan and see Alan play.

"Like I said to him: 'The way you played last Thursday, you can't take over from Alan Shearer, but the way you played on Wednesday, you might', and that's what he's got to do.

"I'm not talking about replacing Alan tomorrow or anything like that. I'm saying in the long-term Shola, being a local boy, should be a very fine player here."

But what did Shola himself have to say?

"It was terrific to get the two goals," he said.

"It was disappointing over there in Valerenga - it was a poor game and I didn't play the best.

"I was really, really disappointed with the performance and to be left out against Portsmouth really hurt me.

"I came back in and wanted to prove a point, and thankfully I did that. Sometimes you need a kick up the backside.

"I know what I have to do and I went out there to work hard and help the team. Thankfully the two goals came.

"At the end of the day, I'm the one who's playing and I'm the one who has to produce. It is my fault and I thought it was right for the gaffer to leave me out and give me a kick up the backside.

"It has done me good. I've now realised I have to give 150% every game, and that's what I'm going to do."

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