Shola Ameobi has been confirmed as loan co-ordinator at Newcastle United.

Ameobi joined the Newcastle's Academy system at the age of 11 before going on to make over 300 appearances for the Magpies and is hoping to use his playing experiences to his advantage in the new position.

Ameobi told nufc.co.uk: "It's going to be exciting. It's a club that has been a part of my life for over 20-25 years and I was still coming in and working as a coach. Being a part of that over the last year or two has been great but now I'm coming in full-time and into a role where, predominantly, you are trying to help players.

"I have been a player myself and understand how hard it can be, especially when you are out on loan. I think it's important that we have someone in charge of that who can help the player and the club in terms of strategy, why we use the loan system and how we can benefit the player through that system.

"It's working with players that you can help to facilitate everything they need to succeed. I'm a big believer in helping each and every player regardless if they are playing or not. We shouldn't treat them any less just because they are out on loan and hopefully I can be a big plus for them going ahead."