Ba and Pardew: To be reunited

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Senegal loss is Magpies’ gain

Newcastle United are to profit from Senegal’s shock early exit from the 2012 African Cup of Nations with a double boost to their strike force.

The Teranga Lions, one of the pre-tournament favourites, effectively exited the competition after losing their two opening games - 2-1 to Zambia and 2-1 to co-hosts Equatorial Guinea.

Magpies manager Alan Pardew is now hoping to have top striker Demba Ba, as well as the newly-signed marksman Papiss Demba Cisse back in time for next Wednesday’s league clash with Blackburn Rovers.

“Blackburn on Wednesday is probably a bit tight, but we might try to get them back for that. They are two great players and you want your best players in your team,” said Pardew.

“We have to understand the federation of Senegal’s wishes, and also our own. We will have a conversation as to when and where we can get them back.

“I am guessing they are not too pleased about how it’s gone, so that’s something we will have to focus on when they return.

“On the other hand they are coming back early, so that part of it, I am pleased about,” he added.

Ba has scored 15 goals this term, nearly half of the club’s 32 goals in total. Cisse joined from German side Freiburg earlier this month and has yet to play for the North-East side.

Newcastle are in action this weekend when they face Championship side Brighton in an FA Cup fourth round clash on Saturday evening.

Midfielder Cheick Tiote remains absent from the club - he is still on duty with the Ivory Coast, who are through to the quarter-finals after winning their opening two games.