Newcastle United striker Demba Ba is excited about representing Senegal at the African Cup of Nations but is also heading away with some apprehension.

The 26-year old, who has netted 11 goals in 14 Premier League appearances so far this term, will be away from the Toon for a few weeks for the tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea early next year and wants to succeed with Senegal but also wants to continue giving his best for his club.

"It's going to be difficult, very difficult, because the season is still running and it just feels like you are going and the team is staying," he said.

"It's going to be weird because it is going to be my first African Cup as well.

"But I just hope I don't go there for nothing.

"For me, for the whole country, for the whole team, we are just excited to be playing in this competition, and we are going to try to come back and make our country proud of us."

 Click here to reach the No1 destination for hard news and exciting gossip on Newcastle United