By Matthew Jones
September 5 2003

Sir Bobby Robson is confident that Shola Ameobi will become a crowd pleaser, despite him not having the best of a start to the season. Also, Shola's agents have asked Newcastle for a new contract for the youngster, despite him having four years left on his current deal. Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson is insisting that young striker Shola Ameobi will become a Magpies' great.

The England U21 international has proved to be disappointing in recent games, and has been unpopular with sections of the Newcastle fans.

HOWEVER...

Sir Bobby Robson said: "We think a lot about Shola. He's a fantastic young boy, he's a local boy and there's a bit of pressure on him to do well.

"Of course we've missed Bellamy - we've missed his pace and getting in behind people.

"But we'll stay faithful with Shola because he's come from the academy and he's a local boy.

"He has improved tremendously, he has excited us in his development, but he had a bad week, poor kid.

"But that's not the end of Shola, and we'll support him. Our job is to make him a good player."

Newcastle Officials Fuming
Magpies' Officials are reportedly fuming with Shola Ameobi's agents after they asked Newcastle for a new and improved contract.

Shola still has around four years left on his current deal!

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