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Ameobi backs weary Newcastle

Shola Ameobi is hoping Newcastle United FC can overcome tiredness to reach the semi-finals.

By Alex Eeles

After scoring a precious away goal in the Philips stadium last week, Newcastle United FC need only a 0-0 draw in the second leg of their UEFA Cup quarter-final to progress. However, despite having played four games in eleven days, striker Shola Ameobi insists the English club will not be curbing their natural attacking instincts at Saint James' Park.

Prolific form
"The away goal is an advantage but we won't sit back and defend it," he told uefa.com. "We love to attack and as we usually do, we'll be going all out for the win and will hopefully score plenty of goals in the process. We've been pretty free-scoring at home in Europe this year and I see no reason why we can't get another three goals on Wednesday night."

Golden chance
"It's been a tough schedule of matches for us in recent weeks and the boys are feeling a bit tired," continued the 22-year-old. "But I'm sure we can raise ourselves for this huge match. We have a golden chance of reaching the UEFA Cup semi-finals and no matter how knackered we are, I think we'll find enough energy to do it."

Headed advantage
A header from Jermaine Jenas in Eindhoven last Thursday cancelled out an early strike from PSV striker Mateja Kezman and handed Newcastle the advantage going into tonight's second leg. But Ameobi said there was no danger of the Premiership side underestimating their Dutch opponents. Kežman especially.

Firm favourites
"Having got a 1-1 draw in Holland, I think you have to say we are favourites to go through to the semi-finals," he admitted. "They had the advantage of playing in their own stadium in front of their own fans and to be honest they played very well. But we have those advantages now and have to make more of it than they did.

Danger man
"I thought PSV were an excellent passing side in the first leg. They worked us extremely hard throughout the 90 minutes and we were hanging on at times. They have several players I would regard as danger men, but the striker Mateja Kezman was the pick of the bunch. He scored a wonderful goal and will be a constant threat at Saint James'."

Injured star
One player Newcastle will not have to worry about is injured winger Arjen Robben. The 21-year-old starlet, who will be plying his trade with Chelsea FC next season, sustained a hamstring injury on Sunday and will play no part in the match. According to Ameobi, Robben's absence can only be a good thing for the Magpies.

Huge bonus
"The fact that Arjen Robben is missing has to be a huge bonus for us," he acknowledged. "We've all heard a lot of good things about the player and he was being tipped to cause us problems in the second leg. We'd be lying if we said it wasn't good news that he'll be watching the game instead of taking part."

Fitness test
Unfortunately for Ameobi, he may yet join Robben on the sidelines. The striker faces a late fitness test after picking up a thigh injury in training earlier this week. "I'm only 50-50 for the match," he said. "It isn't a serious injury but I won't know how my thigh is until I take it out of strapping shortly before the game. I'll have a late fitness test and keep my fingers crossed that I come through it."

Shola Ameobi's personal website is at www.icons.com

 

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