Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi has admitted that his lack of starts for the club is frustrating him.

Ameobi came off the bench to score the winner in Newcastle's 1-0 triumph over Queens Park Rangers yesterday, but has had to play second fiddle to Senegalese duo Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse for much of the season.

However, with Ba's future at the club in doubt, Ameobi was keen to stress his desire to be involved from the start of matches.

"It's been frustrating, sitting on the bench every week and watching the lads out there doing their best to try to win," said the 31-year-old.

"As a player, you want to be involved and help in any way you can. At the moment, that's me coming off the bench and I just have to do what I can.

"Hopefully, I can make an impact like I did on Saturday. I'm just really delighted that we sent everyone home happy for Christmas."

Ameobi has been at Newcastle since 2000, scoring 75 goals in 350 appearances for the club.