COULD footballer Shola Ameobi be preparing himself for the biggest match of his life . . . his own wedding? Shola hasn’t had much to smile about as a Newcastle United player, ever since he limped off the pitch with a groin injury during the Magpies’ clash with Arsenal in the Carling Cup in September. But the striker, 26, looked happy and relaxed when he turned up at the Beamish Hall Country House Hotel in County Durham. We spotted him at the 14th Century hall, with a pretty blonde on his arm . . . who was sporting a huge sparkler on her engagement finger. The Sunday Sun has learned that Shola had not made an official appointment to view the historic house, which is licensed for civil weddings. But it is understood that he asked for a copy of Beamish Hall’s wedding brochure before being shown around the venue’s function rooms. His visit lasted only a few minutes before the two left. A spokeswoman for Beamish Hall, said: “Due to client confidentiality we aren’t at liberty to comment.” Shola signed for the Newcastle United Academy back in 1995, but didn’t join the senior team until 2000, and his last two years at St James’s Park have been plagued with injuries, including a hip problem that prompted him to be sent to the US for an operation. His two younger brothers are also footballers, with Tomi, 19, now playing for Leeds United, and Sammy at the Newcastle Youth Squad. When we approached his father John, pastor at the Apostolic Church in Spital Tongues, Newcastle, to find out if he had any good news, he remained tight lipped. He merely said: “You’ll have to speak to Shola.” We tried to contact Shola, both at home through his agent and Newcastle United, but so far he has been unavailable for comment. Perhaps he is too busy touring the North’s stately homes in search of a suitable wedding venue! | 
