Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi has admitted that he was shocked to find out that he would be appearing for the club for the 50th time in Europe should he feature against Anzhi Makhachkala.

The 31-year-old would surpass Alan Shearer's tally of 49 games and would then be just 12 appearances behind Shay Given's club record of 62.

Ameobi, a youth product of the club, insists that he is focused on trying to help the Magpies win the Europa League.

"It's remarkable really because I didn't know I have now played 49 games in Europe. I was shocked," Ameobi told Sky Sports News. "I'm a lucky boy. Every time I have put on the Newcastle shirt I have added myself to the history of the club and that means so much to me.

"I'm flying the flag for Newcastle and that is so important to me. Now I just want to get us into the last eight, where anything is possible.

"We are very determined to put our best foot forward and get through against Anzhi."

The two sides go into the match with the score 0-0 in the tie after the opening leg in Russia.