AMEOBI CAN BE SAMTHING SO SPECIAL

SAMMY AMEOBI was the real knockout at Deepdale in a derby bust-up.

Preston’s Ben Pearson was dismissed for a headbutt on Joe Williams to spark a chaotic, pitchside brawl after the final whistle.

But when the dust settled, the focus was on the heavyweight contribution Ameobi (above) made for Bolton.

Ameobi, who started at Newcastle, drifted out on loan to Middlesbrough and Cardiff before signing a new two-year contract with Wanderers this summer.

Boss Phil Parkinson would be delighted if other clubs asked about him moving on to another level as it would be testimony to all he, his staff and the 26-year-old have achieved in a short spell.

Parkinson said: “He’s a very good player and his mentality is getting stronger. He’s been a perennial substitute at Newcastle and needed to find a home – a staff who understood him, supporters who appreciate him. I think he’s got that. We want to push Sammy on to be the player we all believe he can be.

“Nothing would give me more pleasure than if I start getting phone calls about Sammy because it would show he’s done what I believe he can do.”

Preston stormed into an early two-goal lead through Callum Robinson and Alan Browne.

Ameobi pulled one back and Pawel Olkowski equalised – all in a breathless first 45 minutes, with the second half a quiet affair until the final-whistle rumpus.

Preston boss Alex Neil said: “At home, leading 2-0 you would expect to get three points.”