SAMMY Ameobi says he’s on a pay-back mission after returning to Wanderers.

The former Newcastle United winger credits manager Phil Parkinson – and the Bolton fans – with helping turn his career round in a loan from the Magpies spell last season.

Now he has signed permanently at the Macron Stadium, the 25-year-old is looking to settle his debt.

“I owe the gaffer a lot,” he told The Bolton News. “When I came in last season I was a down in the dumps, low on confidence, not fully fit, things were not going the way I wanted them to go.

“But the gaffer here was patient with me, and I think the fans were too.

“They gave me a bit of time to show what I can really do. I played regularly, got a lot fitter, and started playing some good football. So I need to repay everyone now, I know that.”

Ameobi signed a one-year deal with the Whites at the end of their Scottish tour but as he moves towards the end of his second week training with the squad, he feels he has slotted straight back into the old routine.

“There are a few new players, and Adam (Armstrong) who I know already but it already feels like we work well together,” he said. “There haven’t been any teething problems, which is nice.

“It’s a love-hate relationship me and pre-season. I’ve been working hard to keep fit and even though I’ve come in two weeks later I’m not too far behind the lads.

“I’m just looking forward to the season starting now and I think we can surprise a few people in the Championship.”

Ameobi was pushed up front in the 0-0 draw with Fylde, featuring alongside his former St James’ Park team-mate Armstrong.

“It’s not a position I’ve played too many times but it gave me a chance to play up there with Adam, and maybe I’ll play there a bit more this season.”

Wanderers take on Fleetwood tomorrow at Highbury. Jem Karacan returned to training yesterday and is an outside bet to take his place in the squad but Filipe Morais is still struggling with a knee injury.