Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew is confident Hatem Ben Arfa will get back to his very best.

Ben Arfa struggled in the Carling Cup defeat to Newcastle United.

But Pardew said: "Perhaps too much is expected of Hatem.

"I didn't think it was his best game at Blackburn he'll play a lot better than that. It's difficult as a striker to come into the team and have an immediate impact, especially when you've been out for a long, long time.

"Possibly he's trying too hard to make an impact. With Hatem it's a question of being patient and above all him being patient, to make sure he gets himself right, because when he does he'll be a fantastic player for us."