NEWCASTLE striker Shola Ameobi is desperate to erase the memory of a painful week by helping the England Under-21 side move closer to their European Championship goal.

In the absence of Craig Bellamy, Ameobi was given his chance by Magpies boss Sir Bobby Robson.

But the 21-year-old's dream became a nightmare as, in eight wretched days, Ameobi and his Newcastle teammates suffered St James' Park defeats to Manchester United and Birmingham in the Premiership and a crushing Champions League exit on penalties to Partizan Belgrade.

Ameobi candidly conceded he did not perform at his best in any of those three games.

But, after linking up with the Under-21s, he is now ready to put his Tyneside troubles behind him, starting with tonight's clash against Macedonia in Skopje.

''It was a tough week losing all three games,'' said Ameobi. ''As a club and as a team we were very disappointed with what has happened, but it's gone now and we have to forget about it.

''You cannot let it beat you. We have to look forward and keep our spirits high. As a team we are all confident that we will get it right and that goes for me as a player.

''I know I haven't performed to the best of my ability, but no-one is perfect. Yet I am still confident in my own ability because one bad game doesn't make you a bad player.

''The bottom line is I am not going to let what has happened at Newcastle affect me when I run on to that pitch. I have confidence and I know I can perform.''

Coach David Platt is certain Ameobi, who has scored seven goals in his 17 games at this level, will not let him down.

''Find me another Newcastle player that isn't disappointed and in a slump at this moment in time,'' said Platt. ''They've had three bad results on the bounce, but they'll come through it as a club and so will Shola.

''I've not even looked at players' club form, and Shola's always done very well for me anyway, so I'm not concerned.''

While England are expected to beat a Macedonian side without a point from six games in which they have conceded 17 goals, it is Tuesday's clash with Portugal at Goodison Park which holds the key.

England were soundly beaten 4-2 in Portugal when the teams last met, and Ameobi was sent off after scoring both goals.

''It was a very poor performance in Portugal,'' said Ameobi. ''It was good to score the goals, but to get sent off as well... it was not the best of days for me and the Under-21s.

''We're not going to let it slip, but we do realise Tuesday is the big one. Although they are a very good side with fantastic players, we let ourselves down and we have to rectify that and that's what we are going to do.''

Platt is without a number of key names including Newcastle's Jermaine Jenas and Middlesbrough's Stuart Parnaby.

With skipper Gareth Barry also doubtful with a groin injury, Platt this week called up Middlesbrough's Andrew Davies.

l Newcastle have offered a trial to teenage Lazio midfielder Gianluca Russo. Rangers have also run the rule over the 17-year-old who is highly-rated in Rome. Lazio are keen to further his footballing education by allowing him the experience of playing abroad.

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