Shola Ameobi has welcomed the arrival of Papiss Demba Cisse at Newcastle and is happy with the extra competition for places.
Magpies ace not fazed by arrival of new Senegal striker Cisse
Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi has welcomed the arrival of £10million hot-shot Papiss Demba Cisse and insists he could not be happier with the extra competition for places.
Cisse - currently on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Senegal, along with new Magpies team-mate Demba Ba - was signed from Bundesliga club Freiburg earlier in the week, but Ameobi is looking forward to fighting for his place when both players return.
Cisse has already hit nine goals in Germany's top-flight this season, while Ba has smashed 15 Premier League goals for the Magpies.
It is in stark contrast to Ameobi- just one League goal all campaign - but the 30-year-old is relishing the challenge ahead.
"Cisse is a top player, so, like everyone else, I'm excited," said Ameobi. "We'll welcome him with open arms.
Work harder
"You would think, in a way, it would disappoint me he has signed but, really, it doesn't. We have had numerous strikers come in since I have been here. It makes you work harder.
"When a top player comes in, you know you have to fight harder and do better to get a place, and that can only bode well for the club. I have always seen it that way."
With Cisse and Ba currently on international duty, Ameobi is set to lead Newcastle's attack alongside Leon Best over the next few weeks and the Nigerian-born forward is looking to make a lasting impression.
He added: "If you've got the shirt, I know the manager is faithful to his team if they are doing well for him. He has shown that all season.
"If you are playing well, you will be in the team. I can't see that changing. "
Sixth-place Newcastle head to Fulham on Saturday looking to force their way into the Premier League's top five, but Alan Pardew's men lost 1-0 in the corresponding fixture last season - a match in which Ameobi fractured his cheekbone.
