The 27-year-old, who was thrust into the senior squad as a teenager by then boss Sir Bobby Robson, has waited patiently in line behind the likes of Alan Shearer, Craig Bellamy, Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka for a chance to prove his worth on a consistent basis.

However, the ongoing off-field problems have seen him rise to the fore once again and a man who has not always been appreciated by the fans is suddenly a crowd favourite.

Ameobi's hat-trick against Reading on Saturday earned him loud cheers when he was introduced to a crowd of 43,904 ahead of the game against Sheffield Wednesday at St James' Park.

But the applause was even louder when he left the pitch at full-time having scored the only goal to fire his home-town club into third place in the Coca-Cola Championship.

With the Magpies travelling to London to face Crystal Palace tomorrow, Ameobi said: "It's something that hasn't happened often over the years but I'm delighted.

"I have finally got a chance to get a run in the team and to prove I can score goals. The last time was under Glenn Roeder, which was a very fruitful time for me because I was playing games.

"Hopefully I can stay fit and continue in this good vein of form."

Second-placed Middlesbrough host Doncaster with manager Gareth Southgate pleased with the way his side have adapted to Championship football.

After the midweek win over Scunthorpe, Southgate said: "We stood up to the physical challenge and that's not to say that Scunthorpe were over-physical. They work you and they make it difficult for you. We came here with a lot of respect for them and we needed to make sure we were on our mettle.

"In the end, we have got players that, if our attitude and discipline is right, are quality players."

Swansea head to unbeaten Coventry with boss Paulo Sousa urging his players to maintain their belief.

The Welsh side were held to a goalless home draw by Reading and Sousa said: "I will tell my players to keep doing the same. We need to keep the same attitude and belief."

Leaders Cardiff face Bristol City on Sunday.

Tomorrow's other action sees West Brom host Ipswich, Preston welcome Peterborough, Plymouth at Derby, Leicester v Barnsley, QPR v Nottingham Forest, Reading v Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday v Scunthorpe and Watford v Blackpool.