Pardew wants more from Ben Arfa

Newcastle manager issues challenge to midfielder

Last Updated: February 7, 2012 2:52pm

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Alan Pardew: Wants Hatem Ben Arfa to prove he deserves a spot in the first XI

Sky Bet

Alan Pardew has challenged Hatem Ben Arfa to up his game and prove he deserves to be back in the Newcastle starting line-up.

The attacking midfielder scored twice in January, when he enjoyed a run of games as Demba Ba was at the Africa Cup of Nations.

He was back on the bench though for the visit of Aston Villa on Sunday as Ba made a goalscoring return to the side, whilst new signing Papiss Demba Cisse also got on the scoresheet on his debut.

Pardew told the Shields Gazette: ""Hatem still hasn't quite grasped, in my opinion, this Premier League.

"He's got unbelievable talent, but he's not used to it. He's got to fight now to get in this team.

"He could still have a massive impact on this season, but we need to see him at his best. He isn't out of the picture yet."