Nigerian born Newcastle United striker, Shola Ameobi, admits it is a major surprise Newcastle are competing for Europe so soon after their return to the Premier League.
The Magpies were relegated three years ago and bounced back after just one season in the Championship, and even after Chris Houghton was replaced by Alan Pardew as the manager, the Magpies have grown in leaps and bounds and are now favourites to land a spot in Europe next season.
Ameobi, who has previously played in the Champions League and UEFA Cup for his hometown club, said: “Two or three years ago, if you’d told people we would be fighting for a European spot this year, I don’t think many would have believed you.
“I always had faith this club would come back but it would be great to see it come so quickly with Europa League qualification.”