ACTING skipper Robert Lee last night urged striking prospect Shola Ameobi to banish thoughts of an international call-up and concentrate on his career with Newcastle United.

The 19-year-old could end up at the centre of a tug-of-war between England and native country Nigeria.

Ameobi has burst on to the Premiership scene this season as a stand-in for injured skipper Alan Shearer and responded to the call by bagging two goals in the last three games.

It's form that has not gone unnoticed and Nigeria coach Jo Bonfrere has already declared his intention to travel to England to watch Ameobi and offer him the chance to represent the nation where he spent the first five years of his life.

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson, reluctant to lose Ameobi for any great length of time, wants the 6ft 2in frontman to warm to any advances from the new-look England set-up.

But 34-year-old midfielder Lee reckons the development of Ameobi's raw talent with Newcastle must come first.

Lee said: "Shola is a great prospect, but I don't think people should start pushing him for England, or anything like that.

"He's doing well for us in Alan's absence. He has a great touch for a big lad and he wins his fair share of balls in the air.''

Ameobi's chance has come because of injuries to Shearer, Carl Cort and Kevin Gallacher, who only made his comeback a week ago in the FA Cup third-round defeat at Aston Villa.

Shearer, who has pencilled in the home clash with Manchester City on February 24 for his own comeback after knee surgery, said: "Shola has done excellently. He has a similar build and style to Paulo Wanchope - he's laid-back and nothing fazes him.''

Newcastle midfielder Gary Speed is another admirer of Ameobi. He said: "Of course, we'll be a better team when people like Alan and Carl come back.

"But while they've been out, other people have had the opportunity to come in.

"Look at Shola. He's had seven games back-to-back and he got another goal in our win at Leeds on Saturday.

"It's great for the future. His progress proves that one person's loss is another's gain.''

Meanwhile, Steve Harper fears losing out again to Shay Given in the goalkeeping stakes at St. James' Park.

Given, who admits his recent transfer request was "a bit hasty'', produced an impressive display at Leeds after Harper had been ruled out with an ankle ligament injury sustained in training on the eve of the Magpies' 3-1 win.

And Given confirmed last night he had withdrawn his request. He said: "Having given the events of the past month a great deal of thought I have decided to withdraw my request for a transfer.

''At the time I was upset at not being recalled to the team after I was unavailable due to injury for the Leeds match, and I felt the only way to convey my feelings was to request a transfer.

''I now realise I over-reacted to the situation and would like to let all Newcastle fans know that I never had any intention of actually leaving the club.

''I fully intend to honour my contract and hope this incident can now be forgotten and I can concentrate on fighting for a regular place in the team, helping the club achieve the success we all strive for.''

Harper lost his place to the Republic of Ireland international in similar circumstances when Newcastle beat Tranmere in last season's FA Cup quarter-final at Prenton Park.

And the Easington-born keeper last night insisted: "I'm definitely jinxed. I can't believe my luck - I'm just devastated.''

Harper kept his place after Given picked up a thigh injury in the game at Derby two days before Christmas.

Given's failure to win back the No 1 spot prompted his transfer demand, which was rejected last week by the Newcastle board.

Harper added: "Things have been going so well for me. I was happy with my performance last week at Aston Villa, but now I'm right back where I started.''

lNewcastle are keen on Bradford defender Andy O'Brien and could attempt to set up a swap deal for winger Stephen Glass, who is out of contract at the end of the season and attracting attention at Valley Parade