Ba eyeing perfect treble

Demba Ba: Wants Newcastle to do the double over Sunderland on Sunday

Newcastle hot-shot Demba Ba admits netting a hat-trick in a derby win over Sunderland would be more than perfect on Sunday.

The Senegal striker has been a big hit since joining the Magpies last summer from West Ham, netting 16 goals in 20 Premier League appearances so far.

But the 26-year-old is not resting on his laurels and would love to score in Sunday's derby clash on Tyneside.

He told The Times: "You can never play the perfect game, but you can try and reach it.

"You can never play the perfect game, but you can try and reach it. But a hat-trick against Sunderland would be more than perfect."
Demba Ba Quotes of the week

"But a hat-trick against Sunderland would be more than perfect."

Relishing atmosphere

Ba was on the bench when Alan Pardew's side beat Sunderland 1-0 in the second game of the season and the striker is relishing the atmosphere of the encounter after witnessing the fervour of fans during the win at the Stadium of Light.

He added: "Their fans were not happy to see us arrive, but they were not happy to see us leave with the points either.

"That's why you play football, for that atmosphere, to play in front of crazy fans supporting the team."

With 12 games remaining, the Magpies currently sit in sixth in the Premier League table - just three points off the UEFA Champions League places - and Ba wants the side to push on.

"Our season could become special," he said. "We just have to keep doing it and not drop off. That would be a disaster."