Ameobi replaces want-away Ba

Shola Ameobi has been asked to plug the gap left by Chelsea-bound Demba Ba as Newcastle attempted to arrest their slump against Everton this evening.

The 31-year-old was included as Ba is deep in talks with the Blues over personal terms, and Ameobi is joined by Mike Williamson and Vurnon Anita after Danny Simpson as Gael Bigirimana made way.

Although a deal for Ba has not been finalised, Pardew has no doubt it will be shortly.

“It’s done. He will go to Chelsea with our blessing,” Pardew told Sky Sports 1 before kick-off against Everton.

“He has done fantastic for us and it’s not a bad thing, all the uncertainty is now done and we can move on.

“This club is bigger than any player for sure.”

Everton boss David Moyes has recalled Marouane Fellaini after suspension and Phil Neville following a knee injury as the visitors look to bounce back from a 2-1 home defeat by Chelsea.

Newcastle: Krul, Perch, Williamson, Coloccini, Santon, Obertan, Anita, Tiote, Marveaux, Shola Ameobi, Cisse.

Subs: Elliot, Bigirimana, Sammy Ameobi, Ranger, Ferguson, Tavernier, Abeid.

Everton: Howard, Jagielka, Heitinga, Distin, Baines, Naismith, Neville, Osman, Pienaar, Fellaini, Jelavic.

Subs: Mucha, Oviedo, Hitzlsperger, Gueye, Vellios, Anichebe, Duffy.

Referee: Martin Atkinson.