BOBBY ROBSON has revealed his long-term plan for Shola Ameobi, to turn the Nigerian-born forward into the next Duncan Ferguson. Ameobi has stepped into the breach for Newcastle this season, due to the injuries to Alan Shearer and Carl Cort but, although he has performed admirably, Robson is aware that he is far from the finished article.

The former England manager revealed his grand plan for the 19-year-old, saying: "Shola can become another Duncan for us and help Alan.

"He`s still growing and will become bigger, stronger and quicker.

"No one`s suggesting he`s the finished article yet, but if he keeps developing and progressing, we could have another £8 million player on our hands.

"Of course it will take time but he could be just like Duncan."

Ferguson was a big hit on Tyneside, despite his stay at St James` Park being beset by injuries, and Ameobi could get a first-hand view of the Scot, should he make the game between the two teams on Saturday.

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2001

Answers

I only hope the cloning plans don't include the injury nightmares!

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2001

Yes - surely Carl Cort is already the next Duncan Ferguson?

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2001

At least Shola's been a silver lining to our injury problems. If Shearer and Cort hadn't been injured and formed a decent partnership, I'm convinced we would be top six at least. But Shola wouldn't have had the chance to even warm the bench. The first we would probably see of him in the premiership would be when he would score against us next season after being fed up with a lack of opportunities resulting in him transfering to Derby or someone. So a minus point for the present becomes a plus point for the future.

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2001

There were glimpses in the U-21 game the other night that this kid could become a real star.
Let's hope BR manages to keep his feet on the ground, and is able to maintain his steady development - he still has a lot to learn about finishing, improving his positional sense, and in particular needs to improve his ability in the air.
It makes such a difference to have at least one good 'un coming through the ranks. Let's hope the Caldwell bros. follow on next season, and then we get the real kids like Chopra and Offiong coming through into the Reserves.

I still actually firmly believe our target should be to have a majority of the first team squad comprising home-grown talent, and see no real reason at all why this couldn't be accomplished within a 5 year period.

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2001

Yup, I would agree Clarky. If we're lucky with what we've got, we could even see a marked difference in 3 years, although without doubt there would still need to be considerable strengthening of the squad with 'outside' players.

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2001