NEWCASTLE boss, Chris Hughton, believes Shola Ameobi's goal-scoring prowess will play a key role in Magpies' campaign this season.
Nigeria-born striker Ameobi helped Newcastle storm to the Championship title last term, scoring 11 goals in 21 matches before injury interrupted his season.
The 28-year-old has since regained full fitness and Hughton is confident he will make an impact for Magpies as they return to the Premier League.
"Sheila is a real goal scorer," Hughton told the DailyMirror.
"He has two great feet and he is good in the air as well. He has real quality and with his ability you know he is always going to score goals.
"He has a big part to play in our squad this season. It was only the injury that stopped him having a really big impact for us last season.
"So bearing in mind the sort of quality he has, I think it is virtually guaranteed he will score goals for us in the Premier League."
Ameobi, a product of Magpies' youth system, found the net during their 2-1 defeat to Norwich at the weekend.
The Nigerian-born forward is hoping to carry that ability into Toon's top flight campaign this term.
"I am not as sharp as I would want to be at this stage but that win come soon enough," said Ameobi.
