Demba Ba happy with wide role at Newcastle United

Demba Ba has dismissed claims that he is unhappy playing on the left wing for Newcastle United by saying "it does not bother [him] at all".

The 26-year-old, who was leading the Premier League scoring charts earlier in season, scored 15 goals in his first 19 games.

However, following the January arrival of fellow Ivory Coast forward Papiss Cisse, Ba has only scored once in 10 Premier League outings.

Ba was said to be upset after being substituted during the Magpies' 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers, but he has denied that their is any problem.

He said: "I work in order to score goals, but also so Papiss can score. The coach told me he would put me on the left. And for the team I thought, 'Let's do it.'

"Also, I know the qualities of Papiss as a finisher. It does not bother me at all. As a striker you like to be in the striking position but now the coach has made a decision. He has decided for Papiss to be there.

"I do what I have to do to balance the formation for the good of the team. If I can be in the finishing area I do everything to be there, if I cannot, we do the work for Papiss.

Cisse has scored 10 goals in his first nine Premier League games.