Ameobi set to miss Prem opener

Alan Pardew admits Newcastle striker Sammy Ameobi is struggling to be fit for the opening game of the season due to a hamstring injury.

Ameobi did not feature in the weekend draw against ADO Den Haag and he is also set to sit out the Magpies' next friendly against Hartlepool United today.

The 20-year-old, who was sidelined by a knee problem in the second half of last term, is unlikely to be ready to return before Newcastle's first Premier League match against Tottenham on Saturday August 18.

"I don't think Sammy will play at Hartlepool," Pardew told the Evening Chronicle. "I can't see him being right for the first game of the season in terms of being available.

"He needs to push at this time. He's missed a very important week."

The Newcastle boss also confirmed that Shane Ferguson is set to miss the start of the campaign due to a groin problem.

Pardew added: "Fergie has missed the whole pre-season. It's not ideal, they (Ferguson and Ameobi) need to be pushing and they're not."