Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has challenged Leon Best to grab his chance in Demba Ba's absence.

After victory over Manchester United, Ba will now be heading off to the African Nations Cup but the Magpies boss is confident other players can step forward.

He said: "You see the guys who came off the bench contributed. '(Leon) Best in particular stepped up to the plate when we lost (Andy) Carroll.

"We knew it was going to happen and we accept that - it was a great new year for us."