FRUSTRATED Shola Ameobi last night asked for more first team duty at Newcastle United after learning Sven-Goran Eriksson is one of his biggest fans.

The Magpies striker has struggled to claim a regular place in Sir Bobby Robson's side, with Craig Bellamy and Alan Shearer in scintillating form.

In fact Ameobi has not started a game since starring in the 3-1 Champions League home win over Bayer Leverkusen last month.

And the gangly front-man, who flies out with the England Under-21 squad to Portugal today, has revealed he is desperate to force his way into Robson's first XI.

Ameobi is expected to be given the nod by Under-21s boss David Platt on Friday, and then again at St. James' Park when Turkey are the visitors next Tuesday.

And he admits he is looking forward to a rare starting spot.

"I need games at the moment because with Craig and Alan doing so well the manager does not want to change a winning formula," he said.

"It's tough for me at the moment but I have to be patient and hope that my chance comes sooner rather than later.

"I'm still growing as a person and as a player but I do want to play football. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't frustrated. It's hard to bear when players are ahead of you and doing fantastically. I can't praise them enough."

But whatever disappointment he may have with his lack of first opportunities at club level, Ameobi takes a great deal of pride in the way Eriksson has been talking up his prospects.

Platt regularly talks to the national team boss about youngsters coming through and Ameobi is one who repeatedly crops up in conversation.

And Platt said: "Sven rates Shola. Sven thinks he could be a brilliant player.

"Shola will get better and better with age. He's a great lad and great to have around.

"He is one of those players you can rely on whether he comes off the bench or you start with him.

"I like him, I really do like him. I think he's got a reasonable goalscoring record but it's the other things he does as well."

Modest Ameobi's response to hearing of Eriksson's admiration for him as a player was nothing but delight, saying: "It's very flattering to have the national coach saying nice things about me.

"I am a little bit surprised to hear about what the England manager has said about me but it is a healthy surprise.

"It means he has been watching my progress and that is nice to know as a player. It's fantastic."

Ameobi is joined in the Under-21 squad by Newcastle teammate Titus Bramble. And with Jermaine Jenas being fast-tracked to the senior squad alongside Jonathan Woodgate and Kieron Dyer, the future looks good on Tyneside.

Jenas' call-up only gives Ameobi a determination to succeed on the international stage and he takes heart from the fact Eriksson is prepared to gamble on youth.

"It's fantastic for the club that Sven is not afraid to play Newcastle's young players and Jermaine has taken that chance," said the 21-year-old, who has 14 caps and scored four goals for England Under-21s.

"I think Jermaine has deserved it because he's been fantastic and it gives you a lot of hope to know that you could be called up if you are doing well at club level.

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