Pardew backs Ben Arfa for call-up after wonder strike

Jan 8 2012 by Mark Douglas, Sunday Sun

ALAN PARDEW backed FA Cup hero Hatem Ben Arfa to reclaim his international spot and prove there’s life without Demba Ba.

Making his first start since December 3, Ben Arfa was inspired as resolute Blackburn Rovers were put to the sword to book Toon’s fourth-round spot.

He scored a wonder goal and was Newcastle’s danger man throughout as they ensured the mood on Tyneside remained buoyant following Wednesday’s walloping of Manchester United.

And Pardew was delighted with Ben Arfa’s contribution after a week in which he captured the headlines for an unauthorised interview in which he pressed his claims for a start.

”In the second half he was outstanding,” he said. ”He understands that this is a big agenda for him – he needs to do well here.

”At some other clubs, it hasn’t gone so well and he is doing everything in his power to make it happen here, and that’s good for us.

”He’s had situations in France where his talent hasn’t come to the fore as much as it should have, perhaps, and then he has had a terrible injury here.

”He knows this is a great opportunity at this football club.

“He probably feels that he could play for France, and I know the French Federation look at him very closely.

”Is he going to emerge because he has got the talent that he showed today? We are all hoping he does, of course.