Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has been impressed by Shola Ameobi since arriving on Tyneside.
Pardew believes the striker can be a key man over the rest of the campaign.
He told the Sunday Sun: "I like Shola. He is a good player and I have always thought that.
"I did not realise what a great character and gentleman he is around the training ground. He is a good guy.
"If he steers clear of injury, there is no reason why he cannot stay in this team, Andy Carroll or no Andy Carroll.
"Taken for granted because he has been at the club so long? Possibly, but he had a serious injury and we stood by him, so it has gone hand in hand,
"Amoebi is one of those players a manager cannot help but enjoy working with because he always wants to improve."
