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Ameobi Harbours Hong Kong Hopes
Written by Newcastle Utd
Sammy Ameobi speaks to nufc.co.uk about his superb start to the Citibank Hong Kong International Soccer Sevens
By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter
With two goals in each of the opening two games, the Citibank Hong Kong Football Club International Soccer Sevens could barely have started any better for Sammy Ameobi.
And now the England under-21 ace is hoping to follow in the footsteps of international players like Gabriel Agbonlahor (England), Barry Bannan, Andrew Shinnie (both Scotland) and Zoltan Stieber (Hungary) in being named the Player of the Tournament in the Far East.
They are among the illustrious names to have shone at the competition since it began in 1999 and Ameobi is well on the way to making a similar impact.
He netted both goals in Newcastle's opening game against Hong Kong Football Club Captain's Select before hitting another brace in a 5-0 thrashing of Southern District, while he was also impressive as the Magpies beat Leicester 2-0 to qualify for the quarter-finals as Group B winners.
And the beaming 21-year-old told nufc.co.uk: "It's been good. I didn't really know what to expect - I didn't play here last year - but I've really enjoyed it.
"When I was younger I used to play seven-a-side with my mates so I don't know if that's perhaps helped, but hopefully we can continue to progress and win the trophy.
"We got off to a good start and I've got four goals under my belt so I'm happy and hopefully we can take that into the finals tomorrow.
"Having such good players around me is a massive thing to be able to contribute as I have. I'd say we have the best team here and I think we can go on and win it - and hopefully we do."
On a personal note, Ameobi is also aiming high - and why not after such a scintillating opening day?
"I want to end up top scorer and best player; that's the goal," he said.
"I want to be the best so hopefully I can show that here."
The Club's official website, nufc.co.uk, is the only place to follow Newcastle United's progress in the Citibank Hong Kong Football Club International Soccer Sevens with match reports, photographs, reaction and more. Photograph courtesy of Garrige Ho/Two Up Front