Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is hoping that striker Papiss Cisse can rediscover his form of last season sooner rather than later.

The Magpies have been dealt a blow in attack, with top scorer Demba Ba looking increasingly likely to join Chelsea this month.

However, Cisse netted Newcastle's goal in their 2-1 defeat to Everton at St James' Park on Wednesday night, and Pardew is hoping that the 27-year-old can get back to his best.

Asked if the former Freiburg frontman was relishing the role of main man, Pardew said: "I think so, and we are hoping he has the second half of the year he had last year, where he was absolutely terrific for us and scoring goals for fun.

"That's where we need to get him."

Cisse scored 13 goals in 14 appearances for the Tyneside outfit last season.