Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has thrown down a challenge to Hatem Ben Arfa.

Pardew wants the young Frenchman to fill the void left by Demba Ba when he departs for the African Nations Cup.

"When Demba goes away, Hatem is going to have to come to the fore, we're going to need him," Pardew said.

"He's finding his feet, he's had a couple of games and a couple of cameos now as well, and he's starting to look like his old self.

"He's had a terrible injury, you must remember that.

"But that goal will have done him no harm whatsoever."