Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi has laughed off legend claims coming from gaffer Alan Pardew.

Only Jackie Milburn with 11 derby goals heads Ameobi in the all-time list, but the modest Nigeria-born Geordie was somewhat abashed by the compliment.

He said: "To be honest, the first thought that came to my mind when I heard that was, 'Are you mad?', but I guess that was his way of appreciating getting the goal against our rivals.

"I know he holds me in high regard in the dressing room and as a player, there's nothing better than your manager having that faith in you that you can pull through when he needs you.

"For me, it's fantastic. To have that sort of praise from the head of the club means a lot, and hopefully I can carry on helping us win games."