Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew sees Shola Ameobi as a future manager.

Ameobi made headlines last week when he admitted the squad needs to be significantly strengthened during the summer if the club is to compete in the upper reaches of the table.

Pardew said: "He is a very important leader. He is a player who is going to have a huge future on the coaching and managerial front himself.

"He has had great experience here. You have to remember, he has experienced the real heady days under [Sir] Bobby [Robson] and some disappointing days as well.

"He has seen it all and that gives him great experience for this particular club, and that's why he is very, very important in my changing room."