SHOLA Ameobi aims to fight his way to a new contract at Wanderers.

The former Newcastle United striker has vowed to win over his critics at the Macron Stadium and earn an extension to the playing deal that currently runs until January.

Ameobi scored on his debut against Leeds United last month but has since failed to find the net in three attempts, hitting the bar in the second half of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Reading.

Wanderers’ precarious short-term financial position makes a longer deal unlikely until a new buyer is found but the 34-year-old believes his luck can turn.

“Football is a game of ups and downs, I know that more than anyone,” he told The Bolton News.

“If you work hard and try to do the right things then it will turn round. That applies to the team and the club as well.

“We have got fight in the team, and I have certainly got fight to help this club get out of the situation we’re in.

“It isn’t the situation I would have wished for when I came in but that doesn’t dull the fact I want to get goals to help the club move up the table.

“I’m here until the end of January. My only focus is on doing my best for Bolton and trying to earn another contract.”

Meanwhile, takeover talks at Wanderers are moving on apace, with some suggestion from inside the club a conclusion could be reached by the end of the week.

Discussions continue with a number of interested parties, including the Sports Shield Consortium led by ex-Whites striker Dean Holdsworth and another group fronted by former Greece international midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos.

Trevor Birch’s statement at the start of the week revealed no bid has yet got exclusivity but The Bolton News understands that is likely to change in the next few days.

Eddie Davies has smoothed the way for a new owner by confirming he would write off his existing loans – totalled at around £185million.

In action yesterday were Wanderers’ Under18s, who beat their counterparts Morecambe 3-2 in the Lancashire FA Youth Cup.

Matthew Fearnley, Alex Perry and Alex Samizadeh scored the goals for David Lee’s side to book their place in the next round.

Meanwhile, the U18s FA Youth Cup third round tie at Exeter City will take place on Tuesday, December 8 at 7pm.