Ameobi rejects Nigeria cap bid.

Byline: By Miles Starforth

Shola ameobi is hoping to force his way into Sven-Goran Eriksson's England plans next season having turned down a fresh approach from his native Nigeria.

Under a new FIFA ruling Newcastle United's eight-goal striker could have switched his international allegiance to the Super Eagles this year - despite having turned out for England's Under-21s more than a dozen times.

That would have seen Ameobi fast-tracked to senior international football, as Eriksson currently has a number of forwards from which to choose.

But Ameobi (pictured) is determined to break into the full England team - and, while flattered by Nigeria's interest, the 22-year-old has politely turned them down.

Ameobi, who has made 122 career appearances and scored 23 goals for the Magpies, has set his sights on playing an even bigger role for the club next season when he hopes United will be back in the Champions League.

"I have told Nigeria I've made my decision and am going to stick to it," said Ameobi. "Hopefully next season I can play enough for Newcastle United to impress him (Eriksson)."

FIFA took the decision to give all players with dual nationalities 12 months in which to change national teams - as long as they have not already represented a country at senior level - and the ruling came into force on January 1 this year.

It saw Tottenham Hotspur striker Frederic Kanoute switch to Mali and miss a chunk of Spurs' Premiership campaign through his participation in the African Nations Cup, having represented France at Under-21 level.

Ameobi's decision will have been welcomed by Eriksson and his coaching staff, who see the forward as having a big future at international level.

He is competing alongside former Under-21 team-mate Jermain Defoe among others for a chance at senior level, where Newcastle United are already represented by Jonathan Woodgate, Kieron Dyer and Jermaine Jenas.

Eriksson said: "Shola Ameobi and Jermain Defoe have a real chance of getting into our squad. They are both fine young players and great prospects."

And Under-21 coach David Platt added: "If Shola recognises what he's got, all hell could break loose."