Cisse: I want to play as a striker

Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse says he hopes to feature more regularly in his favoured position next season.

The Senegal international was regularly deployed in a wide berth in 2012-13 by Alan Pardew prior to the January sale of compatriot Demba Ba to Chelsea, and struggled to recapture his best form as a result.

Pardew also attracted criticism last season for his use of Moussa Sissoko in an attacking role, and Cisse has now questioned his manager’s decisions.

“I hope to play in my best position as much as I can. My best position is striker. I had never played right wing in my life,” he told The Chronicle.

“It was my first time at Newcastle. It was OK because I was doing it for the team. It was difficult last year because we were fighting not to go down.

“The year before all of the players enjoyed the games and couldn’t wait for the next one. We tried our best but we hopefully will have all of our players back, not too many injuries.”

The 28-year-old went on to underline the importance of getting off to a good start in 2013-14, with Newcastle looking to avoid last season’s desperate fight against relegation.

“Next season we will be looking for a flying start. Last season I was late when it came to scoring goals in the Premier League. We started slowly and that’s why we finished so low,” he added.

“I think this season I will be looking to start very quickly. We have a good squad. I enjoy playing for this team. Next season we will challenge.

“We have Hatem Ben Arfa, Sissoko and Yohan Cabaye and the team can challenge at the higher end of the table.”