Demba Ba may be forced to consider his future at Newcastle if he doesn't regain his place in Alan Pardew's side, the Senegal striker's agent claimed on Tuesday.
Ba was a big hit at Newcastle in the first half of last season after scoring 15 goals for the Premier League club following his move from West Ham.
But during the January transfer window Pardew signed Ba's compatriot Papiss Cisse to fill the main striker's role and since then the 27-year-old has often been shoved out onto the wing to make room for his fellow Senegal international.
Pardew left Ba on the bench at the start of Monday's league clash at Everton, but the striker underlined his value to the Magpies as he came on at half-time and scored twice, including a last-minute equaliser, to rescue a 2-2 draw.
Ba's agent, Alex Gontran, admits his client is increasingly baffled by the way Pardew uses him and hinted the former Hoffenheim forward may have to think about leaving if he were to remain on the bench for a long period.
"Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Demba doesn't understand the management," Gontran told BBC Sport.
"If he continues to be a substitute all season, we'll look at other solutions."
However, Gontran also insisted Ba respects Pardew's decisions, even if he does not necessarily agree with them, and remains happy with Newcastle at present.
"Demba is happy at Newcastle. He is playing in the Premier League with a lot of fellow French speakers and he loves the club's supporters," Gontran added.
"He would like to start every game but he respects the choice of the coach, even if he does not always understand or agree."
Source: AFP
