Newcastle striker Demba Ba is not setting himself any targets after launching his career on Tyneside in style with a match-winning hat-trick.
After a slow start to his Newcastle career, Ba belatedly announced his arrival with a treble in Saturday's 3-1 home victory over Blackburn which extended the Magpies' unbeaten start to the campaign to eight games in all competitions.
"I just want to have good performances and score goals. That's what makes me happy. I have a competition against myself," said Ba.
"It's been a good day after a lot of work and a lot of bad performances and now, the work just paid off for me.
"I was not fit at the beginning of the season and now after six games, I am starting to get my sharpness back, and I am just going to keep on working to have it 100 per cent for the next weeks.
"You feel happy. I have scored my first goal here this season and I just hope it is going to keep on going."
Manager Alan Pardew never doubted Ba's ability in front of goal, but was convinced that the effects of the player's fasting during Ramadan had left him fighting for full fitness.
However, Ba revealed Pardew had repeatedly assured him that he would get his opportunity when he was ready.
He said: "He always told me that when I was fit, I would get my chance and it was up to me to take it or leave it."
Source: PA
