Pardew eyeing cup run

Pardew's side - currently riding high in sixth in the Premier League with 36 points after 22 games - face Brighton in the fourth round of the cup on Saturday.

The Newcastle boss has stressed the importance of the competition to his multi-cultural squad, while he is also looking forward to the second half of the league season.

He has been boosted for the upcoming league campaign by what will be the early return of Demba Ba and new signing Papiss Cisse following Senegal's shock elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Pardew told The Independent: "The FA Cup levels the playing field and it gives us the opportunity of winning a trophy and also of getting into Europe.

Stressed importance

"If players, from whatever country, can't grasp that, then it's my job to make sure they do. I've been stressing the importance of this competition. There is still the second half of the season to play and all to play for.

"It will be nice to see the guys from Africa come back fit and well. Then we will see what we can do.

"The two guys coming back early is a big bonus for us. I am excited by the new player. He's got a really good chance of being a success here."

Pardew has had to win the fans over after he was installed as Newcastle boss 13 months ago following the sacking of Chris Hughton.

He won his first game against Liverpool and has not looked back, retaining his belief in his abilities.

"The Liverpool game seems so long ago I can hardly remember it," he said. "My over-riding desire at that time was to win the game, if I'm honest. I did not really notice too much that was going on, the media and everyone else probably noticed more than I did. We managed to win and that was an important win.

"Of course, of course, I had to win people over. It was difficult at the start and then losing Andy Carroll was a big blow as well but I think as a manager I've matured over the years, in different circumstances, and that has helped because this is a much bigger club and you have to understand that. There is a responsibility that comes with it.

"No, I didn't understand the esteem you are held in as manager of this football club. It's like me trying to explain to Papiss what the No 9 shirt means. You have to experience it. This is another experience for me."

He added: "You have to have trust and enough faith in your ability. I believe I am good at what I do and I need to prove that; that is what I have tried to do here."