Shola Ameobi - A proud weekend for the family

Bolton will be aiming to build on a positive second half showing against Brentford on Monday night and end a challenging week off the pitch with three points.

And in facing Cardiff City at Macron Stadium, Ameobi could line up on the opposite side of his brother Sammy, 11 years his junior, for the first time after the pair were previously together at Newcastle United.

“It’ll be a proud day for my mum, dad and family, who will be down watching the game at the stadium. 

“It was great for the two of us, as brothers, when we played with each other at Newcastle, but this will be the first time we’ve been on opposing teams.

“It’s an opportunity to build on our performance against Brentford. It was unfortunate we couldn’t quite get the win, but the lads had a real go and we’re hoping to go one better on Saturday.

“I think we’ve been unlucky in a couple of the games since I joined and we just haven’t quite been able to get over the line. With everyone fighting hard and working for each other we’re hopeful that a win will set us away.”

After a challenging week for the club off the field, Ameobi also reiterated the fact that the players are concentrating only on what they can control.

And he believes that with everyone pulling in the same direction, both on and off the pitch, Wanderers can register three points and generate momentum ahead of a busy Christmas period.

“The supporters can make a real difference and at times they probably don’t realise that. On Monday night I think that showed. We really used that energy they showed in the second half and it spurred us on.

“It’s important we stick together over this Christmas period. There’s a real chance for us to get a bit of a run together.

“Everyone has welcomed me since I joined. We have a very tight-knit group of players here and that’s exactly what we have to be right now.”