Alan Pardew eyes Carling Cup glory at Newcastle

Up for the cup: Newcastle manager Alan Pardew 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. 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. 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. '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. '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.' Back in Toon: Hatem Ben Arfa is set to feature for Newcastle against Forest 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. 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.  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