Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew was delighted with matchwinner Demba Ba after victory over Norwich City.

Peace appears to have broken out once again, although the £7.5million release-clause in his current contract remains in place.

The manager said: "There has just been so much nonsense written about it. His agent sent me an e-mail saying he was misquoted, and I actually believe him.

"I am not usually one to believe agents that much, but I do believe him on this occasion, and I also think Demba's anger has been generated in the right way - to improve for Newcastle United.

"There is no way that Demba can play every game this season. He is going to miss some other games - so will Shola [Ameobi] and so will Papiss [Cisse].

"The best thing we can do is try to play the best players we have and get a win, and Demba led from start to finish today - not just his goal - in the dressing room, everything about him was top drawer."