Cisse: Scored on debut

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Pardew backs Demba combo

Alan Pardew believes Senegal pair Papiss Demba Cisse and Demba Ba could form a formidable strike duo for Newcastle.

Cisse, a January transfer arrival from SC Freiburg, netted the winner on debut in a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday, with Ba opening the scoring at Sports Direct Arena.

“Papiss has got that ability to turn with his first touch, and Demba’s got that too,” Magpies boss Pardew told Sky Sports. “They can get at back fours as soon as the ball is played into them.

“They are a dangerous pair. We have got dangerous strikers all over the place here because Shola (Ameobi) and Besty have done well, (Peter) Lovenkrands is there as well and (Hatem) Ben Arfa, so we have got firepower. We just need to tighten up a little bit more.”

Pardew is likewise encouraged by his team’s strong work ethic, with victory leaving Toon within touching distance of the Champions League places.

“We mustn’t get carried from the team ethic we have got here because the guys did brilliantly to get a result at Blackburn in the week and again we have put in a display here that has been strong,” he said.

“(James) Perch in midfield was brilliant. We had no Cheick (Tiote), no (Yohan) Cabaye, but we keep winning. That’s a great thing.

“Having said that, you still need great players because they change games. Papiss did that and Demba has done it for us before. It was a real bonus that he got a goal on his debut.”