AFTER announcing himself on the international stage at the age of 32, Alan Pardew insists Shola Ameobi still has a big role to play at Newcastle United and has challenged the striker to keep his shirt after starting the Magpies’ last two games.

Ameobi scored his first international goal for Nigeria in their 2-2 draw with Italy at Fulham’s Craven Cottage on Monday night.

The Zaria-born striker produced a stunning volley with the outside of his right boot to put his country ahead and after setting up Nigeria’s other goal, Ameobi impressed coach Stephen Keshi, who admits the 32-year-old is likely to be part of his squad for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

For now, though, Ameobi is back on Tyneside and, although the striker is out of contract in the summer, he still forms a big part of Pardew’s plans.

The former England Under-21 international has started Newcastle’s last two games –wins against Chelsea and Tottenham – and with Papiss Cisse still struggling to find form, there is every chance Ameobi will form part of a three-pronged attack alongside Loic Remy and Yoan Gouffran when Norwich City visit St James’ Park this afternoon.

During the summer there were reports Ameobi could leave the club he has spent his entire professional career at in order to play more first-team football, but Pardew is keen to keep hold of a player he still feels is a major asset to the side.

The 32-year-old has progressed up the ranks on Tyneside and has remained at the club throughout times of adversity and his experience and knowledge of Newcastle is what Pardew feels is invaluable for a squad largely made up of foreign players.

“It really is an exciting time for him,” Pardew said. “You can see that in him and his performances recently have reflected that.

“He’s had a real boost to his career and we are getting the benefits of that and so are Nigeria. On his day, all Newcastle fans will tell you no one can deal with him. What Shola needs to show is that consistency to do it every week in our shirt. He has the shirt at the moment and he has to keep it.

“He also has an experience of this club that a lot of players here don’t have. Last year I had a lot of players in my first team who had only played a handful of games for the club, his experience, especially in games likes this against Norwich where the emphasis is really going to be on us to win, he knows how to win them. His experience is a really important part of the group.”

Pardew joked in his television interviews to preview the Norwich City game that Ameobi could one day make a good Prime Minister when asked if he might be offered an ambassadorial role at the club once he hangs up his boots, and the Magpies boss admits it isn’t just the experience he brings to the dressing room.

He said: “Most times footballers are put into this category where they’re not particularly bright, they’ve not really got a personality you would aspire to, well Shola is the complete opposite to that.

“You could put him in any environment, any school, any political field and he could hold his own. It is that intelligence that he brings to the dressing room and the team.”

Newcastle will be looking to make it three wins on the trot against Chris Hughton’s side and with home advantage they are massive favourites to do so, but Pardew is wary that his side have already slipped up at St James’ Park this season.

A 3-2 loss to Hull City stunned Tyneside after they had won back-to-back games, and Pardew admits his side must be patient if they do not get an early breakthrough this afternoon.

He said: “Our fans do expect to win but that’s any crowd and I think ours is one of the more supportive at a big club towards the players. Of course they will expect us to win against Norwich, but trust me, if we build up a head of steam at any time they play a massive part.

“There might only be a ten minute period in the game where we can win it, that could come between 40 and 60 or 80 and 94 but it will be significant and that’s why we are so strong at home.”