Ameobi: Hails the return of King Kev

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Shola Ameobi is happy to be involved again since Kevin Keegan's return to Newcastle after finding himself frozen out by previous boss Sam Allardyce.

The striker made just his second Premier League start of the season in Keegan's first game in charge against Bolton on Saturday and is now hoping to kick-start his campaign after a spell in the St James' Park wilderness.

Ameobi had been linked with a reunion with former Magpies manager Glenn Roeder at Norwich after struggling to establish himself during Allardyce's brief spell at the club but, with Mark Viduka struggling with an injury and Obafemi Martins away on African Cup of Nations duty, he may have a key part to play in the coming weeks.

Tough time

"Sam had his guys and unfortunately for me I was not in his plans," the striker told the Daily Mirror.

"It was a hard pill to swallow, especially after being here so long.

"As a player you have ups and downs and the last few months have been a real downer. I could easily have left the club.

"But then in steps King Kev and he has given me a lifeline.

Self-belief

"Kevin has a great knack of giving a team self-belief and that is what we have lacked this season," he added.

"We have not played to our potential and he is here to get that out of us.

"He is definitely the man to do it."