Source: Daily_Mail
Alan Pardew eyes Carling Cup glory at Newcastle
Up for the cup: Newcastle manager Alan Pardew[LNB]Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is targeting the Carling Cup as a chance to win some silverware after admitting the Premier League title is out of his grasp. [LNB]The Magpies are still unbeaten this season and will face Championship side Nottingham Forest, who have lost their past three games, including a 2-1 home defeat by local rivals Derby on Saturday. [LNB]Pardew said: 'It's a competition we feel we can do well in. Winning the Premier League is a little bit out of reach, so it makes sense then to try to win a cup, so that's what we are going to try to do. [LNB]'We have got a lot of players who haven't featured who are desperate to show their wares, so to speak, so I am looking forward to seeing one or two of them on the pitch. [LNB]'There will be changes and these guys are desperate to play and in that way, they are probably more motivated than my first team, who without a shadow of a doubt at this point, in their minds will be concentrating on the Premier League.' [LNB] Back in Toon: Hatem Ben Arfa is set to feature for Newcastle against Forest[LNB]Winger Hatem Ben Arfa is set to feature in a competitive game for the first time since breaking his leg in a challenge with Manchester City's Nigel de Jong in October last year.[LNB]Dan Gosling could also play if he shakes off a groin strain but new full back Davide Santon misses out after having fluid drained from his knee.[LNB] Ben Arfa is worth the hassle, says Pardew as crock prepares for long-awaited comebackCapital calling for Santon as new Toon signing hopes to avoid knee surgeryAston Villa 1 Newcastle 1: Boos ring out for McLeish as Bent keeps fluffing his lines Jose really is the Special One: Madrid boss donates gong for Sir Bobby auctionAll the latest Newcastle news, features and opinion[LNB]
