Ameobi scored 10 goals fro Newcastle last season

The 22-year-old enjoyed a fine season, scoring 10 goals in 41 games for the Magpies in the 2003/04 campaign.

"I never wanted to go anywhere else, so I'm delighted to sign the contract and look forward to staying here for the next few years," Ameobi said.

"It's a proud moment for me and my family to sign the contract."

Ameobi added: "It was good to get a lot of games under my belt last season, and hopefully I can get a few more next season.

Shola has proved he is very worthy of this new contract Newcastle official Russell Cushing

"It doesn't seem like five minutes since I made my debut against Chelsea, it's only four years since I was playing in the academy. My feet haven't touched the ground since then."

It is exactly 21 years since Paul Gascoigne signed apprentice forms with the Magpies, and he was on hand on Monday as Ameobi signed his new contract.

"Shola has proved he is very worthy of this new contract," said Newcastle official Russell Cushing.

"We all hope he can go on single-mindedly to achieve great things both for himself and the club over the next five years.

"I can still vividly remember the day we signed Paul as an apprentice, although the signing of players has got a little more complicated in the intervening years," added Cushing.

"But regardless of who signs on the dotted line, there's always a tremendous sense of satisfaction when a contract is finalised because you always hope that the player who has signed will be the one to make a difference in the future."

Ameobi scored the goal which earned Newcastle a 1-1 draw at Liverpool on the last day of the Premiership season to book the Magpies' place in the Uefa Cup.