Striker Shola Ameobi has vowed to remain at Newcastle United and fight for his first-team place.

With Newcastle reportedly interested in signing Andy Carroll to compete with Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse, the striking ranks look filled at St James' Park, but Ameobi has insisted that he is up for the challenge of competing for his place.

Ameobi told The Northern Echo: "I have to show that I am the man for the job. Everyone is vying for a place and I don't believe the team has been picked yet. I have to give everything I have got.

"I love playing at Newcastle. I have been here all of my career and I want to stay here as long as I can to prove to whoever is at the top that I'm worthy of being in the squad and team.

"I have never taken that for granted. I am so lucky to have played for my hometown club throughout my career. I just want to keep that run going."

The 30-year-old has scored 72 goals in 333 appearances for Newcastle.