Big Sam - Ameobi staying

Toon striker will not be leaving St James'

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 17th November 2007

ameobi shola

Ameobi: Staying put

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Shola Ameobi will not be allowed to leave Newcastle in January, according to manager Sam Allardyce.

Norwich, now managed by former Toon chief Glenn Roeder, unsuccessfully tried to take Ameobi on loan this week, whilst Middlesbrough, Bolton and Birmingham are all believed to be keen on the 26-year-old.

However, Allardyce insists that when the transfer window opens Ameobi will not be sold.

Not for sale

"Shola is going absolutely nowhere, he remains very much a part of my plans and we are not interested in selling him in January," Allardyce told the Journal.

"I don't want to lose him, he is a very talented player who has an important role to play in the squad.

"We've got a small squad here that can just about cope with injuries and suspensions, but we cannot afford to let anyone go. We will not be selling anyone in January.

"He has been frustrated because he has not really had a chance to show me what he can do, but I know what he is capable of.

"The only reason he has not been involved recently is because he has been injured. He has not been able to establish himself so far this season because of niggling injuries, that's all.

"He was still recovering from a serious hip injury at the end of last season and, although he has done that now, he has picked up a few little problems which have held him back. It's not been easy for him but he's training properly again now and he will be involved in the next few weeks."

January sales

Allardyce is hopeful of adding to his squad in the New Year and added: "We'd like to bring some players in to strengthen the squad, but, like every manager, the January transfer window is the most difficult time to do any business.

"It's great for the media because they get lots to speculate about, but it's a nightmare for managers. However, if there is any business to be done, if we can get the right players in, rest assured, we will do that."