Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew is desperate for Senegal to miss African Nations Cup qualification.

United coped without Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse for four weeks last season when they were on ACN duty - the latter's Magpies debut delayed as a result, but the fear is that they may not be so fortunate next time around.

"Losing your two best strikers in the middle of the season would be a nightmare for Alan Pardew," ex-England striker Les Ferdinand told the Evening Chronicle.

"So - no disrespect to Senegal - but you can be sure he will be keeping his fingers crossed that Ivory Coast finish the job and qualify next month.

"It would be a big disappointment for Ba and Cisse, because of course they want to represent their country at a major tournament, but from a purely Newcastle point of view it would be good news.

"Ba and Cisse were so important to United last season with their goals, and it would be very hard to replace them if they went away on international duty."