Ba bemused by Pardew snub

Newcastle striker Demba Ba is confused by the club’s management after starting Monday’s clash with Everton on the bench, his agent says.

The Senegal international was dropped from the starting lineup for the Premier League clash at Goodison Park before coming on as a second-half substitute and grabbing two goals to salvage a 2-2 draw for Alan Pardew’s side.

Ba’s agent, Alex Gontran, believes his client suffered from a lack of recognition last season after being forced to play out wide following the January arrival of Papiss Cisse, and has revealed the striker could seek a move away if he repeatedly starts on the bench.

“Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Demba doesn’t understand the management,” Gontran told BBC Sport.

“If he continues to be a substitute all season, we’ll look at other solutions.

“Demba is happy at Newcastle. He is playing in the Premier League, with lot of fellow French speakers and he loves the club’s supporters.

“He would like to start every game but he respects the choice of the coach, even if he does not always understand or agree.

“How could you put your best striker with full confidence on the left wing? The choice to put Demba on the left last season was good for the club, because Cisse scored 13 goals.

“But there was a lack of recognition for Demba. It is more difficult to play well when you don’t have the confidence of your staff.”

Ba started the last campaign in blistering form but struggled for goals after Cisse arrived in January.