Nigeria-born striker Ameobi helped Newcastle storm to the Championship title last term, scoring 11 goals in 21 matches before injury interrupted his season. The 28-year-old has since regained full fitness and Hughton is confident he will make an impact for Magpies as they return to the Premier League. "Shola is a real goal-scorer," Hughton told the Daily Mirror. "He has two great feet and he is good in the air as well. He is real quality and with his ability you know he is always going to score goals. "He has a big part to play in our squad this season. It was only the injury that stopped him having a really big impact for us last season. "So bearing in mind the sort of quality he has, I think it is virtually guaranteed he will score goals for us in the Premier League." Ameobi, a product of Magpies' youth system, found the net during their 2-1 defeat to Norwich on Saturday. And the forward is hoping to carry that ability into Toon's top flight campaign this term. "I am not as sharp as I would want to be at this stage but that will come soon enough," said Ameobi. "Hopefully, it's going to be a big season for me and a big season for Newcastle as well. "If I can stay clear of injuries this time I am determined to have a big impact and to score goals. "But when you play for a big club like Newcastle you know that you are expected to do it every game - not just occasionally."
