Newcastle United striker Sammy Ameobi has left the door open to playing for England.

He has been involved with the Nigeria under-20 set-up but did not play for them over the summer, leaving the door open for Stuart Pearce to include him in his long-term plans.

And that would be acceptable to Ameobi, as long as he isn't selected by Nigeria first.

"I'm not completely sure where I'd go at the moment but I'd love to play for England," he told the Sunday Sun.

"England are obviously the higher ranked team, the better team. But whoever gives me an opportunity I'll take it."

Unlike older brother Shola, who was born in Nigeria, Sammy was born and bred in Newcastle, and schooled in Sunderland.

But his strong ties to his home city don't deflect from his strong African heritage.

"Because I was born here, I see myself as a Geordie but my heritage is important too," he said. "I also see myself as a Nigerian and I have always wanted to go back to my parents home town. I hope to do that soon."