Sammy Ameobi handed new Newcastle United deal

Ameobi made his England Under-21 debut against Iceland earlier this month

Newcastle United have handed teenage striker Sammy Ameobi a new three-and-a-half-year contract with the club, following his first-team breakthrough.

Ameobi, 19, has scored once in seven Magpies appearances so far this term and made his England Under-21 debut against Iceland a week ago.

"It is brilliant to get this new contract signed," Newcastle-born Ameobi told the club website.

"Since I have been young it has always been my dream to play for Newcastle."

Ameobi, the brother of team-mate Shola, added: "It has been an amazing last year for me, making my first-team debut and being involved in the squad.

"I love this club and would love to stay here for years to come."

The academy product made his debut for Newcastle at the end of last season, and impressed boss Alan Pardew sufficiently to be handed a first-team squad number for the 2011-12 campaign.

"We are delighted that Sammy has signed a new contract," Pardew said.

"He is a player of huge potential and talent, and it is always great to see homegrown players come through the system at the club.

"We have already seen glimpses of what he can do, and we hope Sammy can go on and make a real impact at Newcastle United."