Newcastle handed timely boost

Senegal’s unexpected elimination from the African Cup of Nations will serve as a boost to Newcastle, as strikers Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse are set to return to club action sooner than anticipated.

One of the early tournament favourites, Senegal suffered back-to-back defeats against Zambia and Equatorial Guinea to see their chances of glory dissipate.

Despite the obvious individual disappointment for the attacking duo, Alan Pardew is eager to have them at his disposal, and has revealed that there is an outside chance that the African pair could feature against Blackburn on Wednesday.

“We have to understand the federation of Senegal’s wishes, and also our own,” the trainer said at a press conference, covered by The Daily Mail.

“Lee Charnley, our secretary here, will call them and have a conversation as to when and where we can get them back.

“Blackburn on Wednesday? That’s probably tight, but we might try to get them back for that.

“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, obviously they are coming back early, so that part of it, I am pleased about.

“They are two great players and you want your best players in and around your team,” he concluded.

Newcastle take on Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend.

By Gareth McKnight