GLENN Roeder has urged Shola Ameobi to ram his numerous critics' words right back down their throats after claiming the much-maligned striker is the victim of a witch-hunt.

Ameobi has divided opinion on the St James' Park terraces ever since he made his senior debut against Chelsea in September 2000.

To some, he is an unorthodox talent able to tie the country's best defenders in knots. To others the 24-year-old is an under-achieving luxury who lacks both the instinct and ability to become a top-class goalscorer.

The latter opinion has tended to hold sway during an inconsistent season in which Ameobi has managed just six Premiership goals from his 25 appearances.

But, after the former England Under-21 international proved his poaching credentials with a close-range strike in Saturday's 3-1 win over Tottenham, Roeder is hoping the tide is about to turn.

And, after claiming he would not tolerate the kind of persistent criticism his striker is forced to fend off, Newcastle's caretaker boss has told Ameobi to continue to let his feet do the talking.

"It disappoints me how easily people jump on the bandwagon with Shola," said Roeder, who has played the Nigeria-born frontman in every game since he replaced Graeme Souness in February. "Someone takes a dislike to a player and then we all dislike him.

"I think far too many people are happy to jump on the bandwagon. Because Shola is a decent man, and he doesn't fight back in the media, it tends to be very one-sided.

"He just takes it and I've told him, 'Shola, I wouldn't'. I would not take what is thrown Shola Ameobi's way.

"He is a difficult player to play against and, every time he scores, I am so pleased for him.

"Shola is still a young player," added the Magpies manager. "He's a lovely player to work with in training every day.

"He knows there are reports saying that, for a big man, he's sometimes too gentle and he's trying to get a bit more aggression into his game.''

Meanwhile, chairman Freddy Shepherd has promised to appoint Newcastle's new permanent manager before the end of the season.

With the club's preferred option, Martin O'Neill, also being courted by the Football Association, Shepherd's search for Graeme Souness' successor has stalled somewhat in recent weeks.

But, with just six more games of this season to go, the Magpies chief has pledged to put an end to the uncertainty before the final ball is kicked on May 7.

"We don't want to have uncertainty lingering on through the close season," said Shepherd. "We want supporters and players to finish the season knowing who will be in charge next August."

O'Neill still intends to speak to the FA in connection with the England job, but Newcastle officials will have been buoyed by reports suggesting the Ulsterman has already visited Hexham to look at a country estate close to the town.

* Newcastle recovered from the shock of conceding a second minute goal to win a see-saw Tyne-Wear reserve derby 3-2 at Kingston Park last night.

Sunderland fielded seven players with first-team experience, but were outplayed as Newcastle came back to lead 3-1.

Anthony Le Tallec gave the Wearsiders hope ten minutes from time, but their hopes of snatching a draw were wrecked when Christian Bassila was foolishly sent off in the 89th minute.

Sunderland took the early lead when Tommy Miller cut in from the right and saw his shot deflected past keeper Steve Harper by centre back David Edgar.

United were struggling to make an impact until coach Tommy Craig sent on striker Andy Carroll for defender Chris Farman and switched to three at the back with Alan O'Brien moving to the left flank.

Within six minutes, O'Brien crossed and Carl Finnigan flung himself to bullet a nine-yard diving header past Joe Murphy.

Then in the 38th minute Carroll headed home in similar fashion when O'Brien returned the ball into the middle after a Daryl Smylie cross came back off the bar.

Neill Collins struck the Newcastle bar from 20 yards, but Newcastle went 3-1 up after 56 minutes when Martin Brittain set up Smylie whose deflected drive found the net.

Fifteen minutes from time Bassila should have been red-carded when he hauled down Finnigan.

But the Sunderland defender escaped with only a yellow and was still on the pitch to see Le Tallec beat the Newcastle offside trap and slide a shot past Harper.

However, Bassila foolishly barged Finnigan from behind and pulled the striker to the ground to get a second yellow.

NEWCASTLE: Harper, Baxter, Cave (Atkin 90), Edgar, Huntington, Farman (Carroll 30), Brittain (Marshall 60), Gate, O'Brien, Finnigan, Smylie. Subs (not used): Shanks, Cook.

SUNDERLAND: J Murphy; Taylor, D Smith (Allan 72), N Collins, Christensen, Bassila, Graham (Hartley 54), Miller, Le Tallec, D Murphy, Dennehy (K Smith 68). Subs (not used): Martin, Carson.

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