Newcastle United forward Shola Ameobi has said that he intends to use the 2014 World Cup as a shop window to secure an 'exciting' move away from Tyneside in the summer.

The 32-year-old, whose current contract at St James' Park is due to expire in June, hopes to represent Nigeria in Brazil.

He told the Northern Echo: "I am not one to look too far ahead. But I know it is a big year for me. I have been at Newcastle almost all of my career and it could be a fresh start, a change, which I am excited about. If I can go to the World Cup and do well, anything could happen.

"It is a big season before that though, there are a lot of good players Nigeria can pick from so the priority is to play well for Newcastle, get in the team and play well. If I can do that, I have a better chance of being in the Nigeria squad."

Ameobi made his debut for Nigeria, the country of his birth, last year. He has since been capped four times, scoring one goal.