Newcastle attacker Sammy Ameobi believes that it's time for the club’s youngsters to step up, ahead of the Europa League clash with Bordeaux.

The Magpies have already booked their spot in the knockout stages of the competition, but know that a win against their French opponents will hand them top spot in Group D.

Youngsters such as Ameobi have been given first-team football in Europe and the 20-year-old believes it’s time for them to force their way into the regular XI:

“We have to be as good as a Yohan Cabaye or a Hatem Ben Arfa or a Demba Ba to stay in this team and now we have to take the responsibility on like they have. We can’t look to them always.” He is quoted by The Mirror.

“When we were young kids, we could make mistakes and no-one came down on us. Now we’re starting to learn that we have to affect games and be an effective part of the squad.

“It is a big part of the transition and a really tough thing to get your head round.

"To be honest, I embrace the challenge. You have to.

“In myself, I feel I’m past the stage of being the kid with no expectations they send on to run at defences.

"Now I have to prove that, week in, week out. I want to be a player who makes a difference.”