Kevin Keegan says Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi is running out of time to establish himself at St James' Park, but that he will work hard with the 26-year-old in a bid to get him scoring again.
Ameobi has not hit the back of the net for The Magpies since October 2006, and having seen just one goal since taking over at the club Keegan is in need of a predator in the penalty area.
"But he's 26 now, so he's either got to make the breakthrough quite quickly, or look at somewhere else where he can do it.
"My intention is to work with him and help him, and because he's a forward, it's right in my area of expertise. That's where I played, and I know what it's like and how tough it is.
"I don't know what it's like to be 6ft 3in, that's for sure, but there's a better player in Shola than we've seen at the moment."
Keegan is looking forward to the challenge of getting the best out of the England U21 international.
"The big test will be when Shola gets his chance, and he'll get his chance between now and the end of the season," added Keegan.
"What I see, I like, and there's a lot to work on.
"Although he's 26, he's younger than that in terms of experience. There are a lot of challenges here now, and Shola is one that I relish."
