Shola Ameobi wants first-team spot

Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi is ready to battle Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse for a place in the starting lineup.

The 31-year-old was picked ahead of Cisse against Sunderland last week but was taken off early after Cheick Tiote's sending-off.

However, Ameobi is not ready to surrender his starting place against West Bromwich Albion tomorrow.

"I feel very, very good, my game is there and I'm just itching to play more football," said Ameobi. "If I get the nod, I have to show what I can do because we have two other great strikers.

"I'm a guy who feeds off the manager. If I know he has confidence in me that's when I produce my best game.

"It was a slow start to the season, being injured, so I feel I am making up for lost time and I'm raring to go."

Newcastle take on West Brom tomorrow afternoon at St James' Park.