Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi is confident his future is on Tyneside, despite the arrival of attacking rivals Alan Smith and Mark Viduka in the summer.

"Playing football is the most important thing for me and I've got to be doing that, whether it's here or somewhere else," the striker, who was a target for Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate, told The Journal.

"If I'm not playing here, it (changing club) might have to be something I look at because I need football. That hasn't changed and it's something I'll deal with if and when the time comes. I'm focused on being the best I can be, but I can't do that if I'm not playing.

"It's not the best scenario, but if it ever came to it, I would have to make a big decision. But I still believe that I can help this club achieve what it wants to. You have to believe. If I wasn't good enough, I wouldn't be here."