Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear has revealed heart-to-heart talks with Shola Ameobi.

Ahead of their clash with Everton, Kinnear told the Evening Chronicle: "I have two choices up front for a partner for Michael (Owen) - Shola Ameobi or Xisco. I will probably give them 45 minutes each, but I am leaning towards starting off with Shola.

"This will be a big opportunity for him and I hope it is not a lost opportunity.

"They tell me he has 46 goals for us and this is more than anybody else in our squad at the moment.

"I have had a good talk to Shola this week and I have told him he has the size, power and pace to go out there and do it, and this is what I am looking for him to do tomorrow."