DEMBA Ba believes new strike partner Papiss Demba Cissé is set for a long and successful reign as Newcastle’s number nine – and he intends to be around to see it.

United’s all-Senegalese strike force scored a goal apiece in their first game together for Newcastle against Aston Villa on Sunday, prompting comparisons from boss Alan Pardew with the great Les Ferdinand-Alan Shearer axis that worried Premier League defences during the mid-1990s.

Cissé made a fine first impression on St James’ Park but Ba also notched his 16th goal of a terrific debut campaign in black and white.

In news which will boost Newcastle’s fans Ba said he never had any thoughts about leaving a club he is “happy” at during January – despite the constant stream of speculation that surrounded the striker.

He wants to be part of the bright future he believes the signing of Cissé can usher in.

Ba said of his new strike partner said: “It was a great signing. I was very happy when he signed. Newcastle supporters have seen how good he is, it was a goal of real class.

“He is right-footed but he showed it does not matter if the ball comes to him on his left or on his right, he is going to hit it.

“It is really important to score for a new club early – when you come in and score right away you feel much better.

“It helps a lot, so I am really, really happy for him.

“I told him to sign, but I did not tell him everything about how the club is. He has not seen anything yet.

“However, he is a very quiet guy. All the fuss and hype will not affect him.”

The same appears to be true of Ba, who was linked with a succession of clubs during the window as those purporting to represent him sought to get his name and availability into the public domain.