Shola Ameobi has claimed that these are "worrying times" for Newcastle United, but is hopeful that they can retain their Premier League status.

Steve McClaren's side are currently in the bottom three of the table, with a worse goal difference than Norwich City keeping them in the relegation spots.

Ameobi spent 14 years of his senior career playing for the Magpies before leaving the North-East outfit in 2014.

"It's very disappointing as a fan," ITV.com quotes Ameobi as saying. "That's what I am, first and foremost. I want to see my hometown do well and it's obviously worrying times at the moment.

"But you've got to continue to have faith and belief that the guys can pull it out of the bag. They've certainly got the quality to be able to do that and I just hope that's the case."

Amoeba joined Fleetwood Town last Friday.