Pardew dismisses striker Ba’s bleating

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew last night insisted there is no rift between himself and striker Demba Ba.

The Senegal international admitted his displeasure at only being named among the substitutes for Monday night’s 2-2 Premier League draw at Everton having responded in fine style by coming off the bench to score both his side’s goals.

His agent, Alex Gontran, caused consternation on Tyneside when he suggested yesterday that Ba might have to consider his options if he found himself sitting on the bench too often in the future.

Pardew’s response last night was more diplomatic than it might have been, with the initial response behind the scenes one of acute displeasure.

He said: “That’s just people needing to say things they shouldn’t say, really, but it doesn’t really affect me and Demba. We have got a good relationship.”

Pardew signed Ba last summer and saw him plunder 15 goals before heading off to the African Nations Cup, after which he scored just once more before the end of the campaign.

However, he was asked to play a slightly different role on his return, one of the strands of Gontran’s criticism.

That early form led to speculation that a series of suitors might activate the £7.5 million release clause in Ba’s contract during the summer, although the deadline came and went without incident.

Relief at the player’s continued presence was tempered by the belief that he had been touted around for sale, and it would be no surprise if the rumours started once again as the next transfer window approaches.

Ba and compatriot Papiss Cisse were conspicuous by their absence when a largely inexperienced 19-man squad jetted out from Tyneside for tonight’s Europa League clash with Maritimo, although Cisse was withdrawn because of illness.

Shola Ameobi will start, as will veteran goalkeeper Steve Harper.