Cisse Hopes Dashed

Senegal striker Papiss Cisse has admitted his disappointment at missing out on hopes of winning an Olympic medal. The 27-year-old was wanted by his country as one of their overage players for the football tournament, which they kicked off with a 1-1 draw against hosts Great Britain at Old Trafford on Thursday night. However Alan Pardew said Newcastle could not afford to lose the player. Papiss Cisse: "It was difficult. I wanted to play, but I had a discussion with the manager as soon as I got back. "I wanted to play for my country, as representing Senegal is very important to me, but the manager said it was best that I rested. "He said it was better for me, and I understood his decision. "God willing, I will score a lot more goals this season. I scored 30 goals last season, but I don't set targets for the next season. "Maybe I will score 30 again - I don't know."

Source: FOOTYMAD