Alan Pardew hopeful of keeping match-winner Demba Ba

Newcastle striker Demba Ba underlined his importance to the club after taking his goal tally into double figures by firing the Magpies to a much-needed victory.The Senegal international struck twice before the break to put 10-man Wigan, who had Maynor Figueroa dismissed, on the back foot and pave the way for a 3-0 win, with Gael Bigirimana scoring his first goal for the club, which ended a sequence of four successive Barclays Premier League defeats.Manager Alan Pardew admitted Ba's clause, which will become active in January, remains in place, but is hopeful of hanging on to a man whose goals have proved vital. Pardew said: "The truth of it is that Demba has got a clause in his contract and it is still hanging over us. We have tried to negotiate away and we have not managed to do that as yet."The Magpies boss added: "But the one thing I will say on a positive note is that he has never, if I am honest, looked me in the eye and looked like he wanted to do anything else but stay here, and I hope he does."Pardew was a relieved man as he savoured a win which could not have come at a better time.He said: "It was a massive victory for us, and I am very proud of my staff and my players because we have had to stand tall. Four defeats in this city isn't easy for any team, I don't think. There was a lot of pressure on us."Opposite number Roberto Martinez was bemused by the sending-off of Figueroa, a decision which he believed proved key. The Spaniard, who revealed the club will consider an appeal, said: "You need to understand, Maynor is as honest as you are going to get. He is one of the most honest footballers I have ever worked with."When he makes a rash challenge, or if he makes a challenge he feels is clearly breaking the law, he will accept responsibility. He was destroyed. He was very, very upset at half-time. All he was saying was, 'I challenged, I went shoulder-to-shoulder and the ball was there to be won'."If you look at the replay, that's exactly what it was, so I do feel for my player. He didn't do much wrong. It's a decision that really changes the dynamics of the game, but then to concede from a penalty is clearly a double punishment."Pardew, meanwhile, saw Ba, Santon and Cheick Tiote all limp off, but is hopeful all three will be fit for next Monday's trip to Fulham.

Source: PA