Upbeat Ameobi targets next season

The 25-year-old faces the rest of the current campaign on the sidelines but is being aided in his recovery by hip specialist Marc Philippon.

Ameobi said: "I am 99% sure I will be right for the start of next season.

"The ultimate target is to get back for next season. That is my goal and I think that is a realistic target.

The former England Under-21 international had been struggling with his hip injury for almost two years.

But he believes that the expertise of Dr Philippon will speed up his recovery and put an end to his injury problems.

"The medical staff are very confident I will be back and fully fit."
Shola Ameobi

Ameobi added: "Basically, I have had a reconstruction of the hip joint.

"He was confident he could fix everything and he has done that. I feel great, apart from, obviously, being on crutches for a few weeks.

"He has been amazing, the surgeon, and the physios over there have been great. They are very confident I will be back and fully fit.

"No-one else is doing that in the world. He (Dr Philippon) is a pioneer in terms of hips. That filled me with great confidence."

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