Ba bounces back after being benched

Newcastle forward Demba Ba admits he was ‘disappointed’ to be benched for the recent clash with Everton.

But the striker believes that his double against Reading has proved that he cannot be overlooked again.

The 27-year-old appeared as a second-half substitute against Everton and helped his side earn a point in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.

And the striker, who has started every league game since, points to his having hit six goals in six Premier League appearances this term as evidence of his importance.

“Against Everton, the coach told me he wanted to strengthen the midfield. If someone does not accept being on the bench, football needs to stop,” Ba told French radio station RMC.

“I was disappointed, but after coming on I proved that I deserved my place. I love football, because without the joy we fail to achieve results like this (2-2 draw at Everton).

“Since I’m in the Premier League, I’ve found it. And when you added to that the work, it gives goals.”

The in-form forward, who hit 16 goals last season, explained that his love of the Premier League means that he does not miss having a winter break.

“The fact of not having a (winter break) does not bother me because I always wanted to play in the Premier League. This is not a problem for me,” he continued.

Ba went on to confess that Senegal’s shock exit from the Africa Cup of Nations in January had a profound impact on him and was responsible for his poor form in the second half of 2011-12.

“It psychologically influenced me tremendously,” he added.

“I had trouble swallowing. After the cup, I needed two months to get over it.”