SHOLA Ameobi made his views known to Alan Pardew when the Newcastle United manager suggested he had not been at his best recently. It could not have been as eloquent as his match-winning performance in Kharkiv’s Metalist Stadium.

However, with a point still to prove, Ameobi is determined not to allow his European heroics to detract from the task in hand at home to Southampton tomorrow.

Of a frank exchange with Pardew before the Metalist game, Ameobi said: “I was frustrated I haven’t played much this year in my position and I let him know that.

“I haven’t been in the team as much as I have been in the past recently to contribute.

“You get ten minutes and try to do things that sometimes might not come off.

“I took on board what the boss said as I always do and made sure he knows I am still here.

“The manager is within his rights to say what he feels is right to his players, as I said my bit to him. I took it on board and made sure I gave a pleasing performance. I haven’t felt match-fit this season because I haven’t had the games and it takes games to get in my stride.

“That is probably what the boss means when he says I have not been my sharpest, so it is important when I do get my chances I show I am an asset to the team.

“I have never been happy being a bit-part player and he has known that all along.

“It is tough because you feel like you are auditioning to be in the team.

“I am happy to play where the manager wants, like on the right which is probably not my best position, but I have done the job.”

There is another job to do tomorrow and one Newcastle have struggled with this season.

Ameobi added: “It is an art form playing in Europe midweek and then winning your games in the league at the weekend.

“It is important we don’t let Thursday’s result take away the focus off the weekend.

“I know the manager has his eyes on Sunday and we have to as well as players.

“It is important with our league position we win our home games now.”