NEWCASTLE United's new striking sensation Shola Ameobi is hoping to get another chance to make his mark on the Premiership after an impressive debut.

The 6ft 2in, 18-year-old showed few nerves as he made an instant impression as a second half substitute in the goalless draw against Chelsea on Saturday at a packed St James' Park.

He was unfazed as he battled with France's World Cup-winning defensive duo Franck Leboeuf and Marcel Desailly, and even shoved Chelsea's experienced, but fiery, skipper Dennis Wise, after an incident near the end.

"Once I was out there I didn't really take much notice of the big names I was up against," said the confident Nigerian-born frontman, who joined Newcastle from local club side Walker Central two years ago and graduated through the youth team ranks.

"It was an amazing moment to run out there in front of all the fans. They gave me a great reception.

"Having grown up with this club and developed through the various levels it was a magnificent feeling to be out there.

"I thought I would be more nervous. I was a bit when I was sitting watching from the dug-out, but when the manager said he was going to put me on I just started to concentrate on how I was going to play. I just hope I get more chances to play in the first team."

Ameobi was back down to earth last night in the reserve side which played Sunderland at Kingston Park, but a bright future is already expected for the teenager, whose style is similar to that of Manchester City frontman Paulo Wanchope.

He was handed a three-year contract by former boss Ruud Gullit and current Newcastle manager Bobby Robson has been suitably impressed.

"This boy is only 18, but he's going to be very useful," admitted Robson.

"We are not afraid of trying out the young players. We put Brian Kerr on against Coventry, little Jamie Coppinger on against Spurs and now Shola.

"With the injuries we've had we are giving some of our young kids the smell of first team fooball. I find that lovely. It's given the kids a boost and the academy a boost.

"We are not afraid of putting 18-year-old kids in the Premiership. We've done it three games in succession and that's great."

Welsh midfielder Gary Speed was also impressed by Ameobi's entrance into the Premiership and added: "He is a strong, confident lad and a confident player. He was up against one of the best defenders in the world in Desailly, but wasn't fazed by it.

"We have got some really good young players coming through and they are getting their chance in the first team and showing that they can handle it."

Another Newcastle youngster, Jamie Coppinger, has signed a three-year contract to stay at St James' Park after proving himself to Robson.

Coppinger, 19, was put on the transfer list last season then sent to Third Division Hartlepool on loan. "Going to Hartlepool toughened him up," explained the Newcastle boss.

l BOBBY Robson, the manager with the Midas touch, yesterday owned up to one transfer decision he got wrong.

The Newcastle boss was upset when French defender Laurent Charvet pulled the plug on a £1.3m summer move to Charlton when he needed the money.

But now he's glad the stopper refused to be hustled out after helping the Geordies to successive clean sheets against Coventry and Chelsea.

Robson confessed: "I was ready to let him go to Charlton. But he's not for sale now. At the moment he's important to us. At 27 he's the best athlete we've got at the club and we were letting him go too cheaply anyway!"

Chilean Clarence Acuna has gone back to South America after failing to clinch a £2.5m move to Newcastle.

Acuna, whose suspension by FIFA for taking an illegal substance ends this weekend, had hoped to finalise a deal. Newcastle will continue to monitor his situation