NEWCASTLE midfielder Darren Ambrose is ready to plug a ten-month gap by becoming the long-term replacement for Nolberto Solano.

The former Ipswich midfielder has struggled to escape from his former team-mate's shadow this year, despite the Peruvian winger moving to Aston Villa at the end of January.

Ambrose will make his 45th Newcastle appearance if he features in Saturday's Premiership showdown at Chelsea, but Solano's enduring popularity with the St James' Park faithful has ensured he is forever being compared with his much-loved predecessor.

The sale of Solano was one of Sir Bobby Robson's most controversial moves as Newcastle boss and, while Craig Bellamy has given his all on the right of midfield this season, the Magpies have lacked genuine width.

Ambrose insists he has never been a direct replacement for the South American but, despite struggling to establish himself in Graeme Souness' thoughts, he remains determined to make the right-midfield spot his own.

"That is a position which still hasn't been filled properly since Nobby Solano left the club," said the 20-year-old. "A few players have had a go out there.

"I would like to get a run of games under my belt, that's what I really need because it has been frustrating playing a little bit here and a little bit there.

"If he (Souness) gave me a run of games on the right side of midfield, I would show him what I'm capable of doing.

"I had a run of about 20 games at the end of last season and I felt good. Hopefully I can get the same sort of run in the team now.

"Whether that happens or not is up to him but it's the only way I will be able to prove my ability to him."

Ambrose's last action came in last week's UEFA Cup clash in Sochaux, when the Magpies booked their place in the knockout phase of the UEFA Cup with a comprehensive 4-0 win.

That game was followed by Sunday's disappointing 1-1 draw with Everton and, with United barely scraping into the top ten of the Premiership, Souness' side are in need of an upset at Chelsea on Saturday.

"The result in Sochaux was a very good one," said Ambrose. "To win 4-0 away from home shows what we are capable of doing, but we have to make sure we start to get these results in the league."

Newcastle will almost certainly be without Nicky Butt at Stamford Bridge after the midfielder yesterday saw a specialist in an attempt to get to the bottom of the hamstring problems that have plagued him since his summer move from Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Souness has been granted a personal hearing by Football Association disciplinary chiefs on December 10 over his charge for improper conduct.

The Scot was sent from the dug-out by referee Howard Webb during his side's 4-1 home defeat by Fulham on November 7 after furiously contesting a series of controversial decisions.

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