Newcastle United hero Shola Ameobi says he'd be open to stepping up his role with the club.

Ameobi has been linked with a key position with the academy as he works with the juniors.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "The Academy stuff is something I have always done. Even when I was a player I would go down in the afternoons to the Academy.

"If the Academy and club hadn't invested in me I wouldn't be where I am.

"It has always been a passion of mine.

"The Foundation too, is all about the community and what we can do."