Newcastle United forward Sammy Ameobi, 22, has showered praise on his own brother, Shola, for being the perfect role model to him.

On Friday, it was confirmed that the Nigeria international will depart St James Park after 14 years at the club, with his contract set to officially expire this summer.

“He’s all I’ve ever known while I’ve been here.  He’s always been here while I’ve been here and he’s always been a huge encouragement to me,” Sammy Ameobi told nufc.co.uk.

“He’s a role model and I’d love to follow in his footsteps in terms of all he’s done here

“He’s had a great career and I’m very proud of him. I’m going to miss him and I wish him all the best.”

32 - year - old Shola Ameobi, one of the sure bankers to make Stephen Keshi’s 23 - man World Cup roster, recorded 312 appearances in the top flight for Newcastle, netting on 79 occasions.

Photo Credit: footballtop.com