Shola pleased with contribution

The striker will not score an easier goal in his career, turning into an empty net following good work by Girondins old boy Gabriel Obertan.

Brazilian defender Henrique put into his own net before Papiss Cisse's tremendous finish in the second half sealed a comfortable 3-0 victory for the Toon.

Ameobi has been a peripheral figure on Tyneside since the emergence of Cisse and Demba Ba but was glad to remind manager Alan Pardew of his all-round capabilities.

"As a striker you want to get off the mark as quickly as possible at the start of the season," he told ESPN.

"I'm just delighted to get a chance there today. The strikers at the club are doing very well at the moment and I have to take my chances when I get them.

"I just thank God that the chance fell to me and I couldn't have scored an easier goal. The team were fantastic."

Midfielder Yohan Cabaye was also glad to see Newcastle emerge victorious and go top of the group.

"We played well," he said. "It was very important to get the three points tonight to get the first place in the group.

"Every player played well and we must have a quick turnaround because it's going to be a tough game (against Manchester United) on Sunday (Monday AEST)."