Shola Ameobi has set his sights on returning to the Champions League with Newcastle.Having been at St James' Park for 11 seasons, the striker was a part of the memorable days when the club qualified for Europe's premier club competition under Sir Bobby Robson.
Newcastle have suffered a significant fall from grace since that time and were relegated from the Premier League in 2008/09 season before winning the Championship in the last campaign.
But Ameobi is convinced that the good times are on their way back under current manager Alan Pardew and he is aiming for the very top.
Ameobi told the Newcastle Chronicle: "There's no better feeling then hearing the Champions League music and lining up in a black and white shirt - why not strive for the top?"As a player you want to play in the biggest competitions.
"It was a great period in Newcastle's history, and certainly the highlight in my career. Playing top teams in Europe is something you cherish.
"Being a young lad at the time I took it for granted that we would be in it every year after that, which you just can't do.
"But you can strive to get back to it and strive to be better as a player and a club. If you aren't striving to get back to the top then why are you here?
"As hard as it might be, we have to think positive, and one day in the not too distant future we can get back."http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/04/27/manual_091757.html&BID=165
