Pardew: Cisse was my first choice

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew believes forward Papiss Demba Cisse is the perfect replacement for Andy Carroll after landing the player on a five-and-a-half year deal from Bundesliga side Freiburg. The 26-year-old Senegalese international will join compatriot Demba Ba at Newcastle once the pair return from duty at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations and Pardew admitted he was delighted to have signed the striker. "Ever since Andy Carroll left, Papiss was my first choice," Pardew told Newcastle's website. "He is a finisher with an already-established CV in the Bundesliga, where we have monitored him for the best part of two years. "Unfortunately he was out of reach, financially, for us in the summer, but it recently became apparent that Derek Llambias (managing director) and Lee Charnley (club secretary) could do the deal in this window. I spoke to Demba [Ba] about Papiss, and he cannot wait to join up with his team-mate in Newcastle." Cisse scored 22 goals last season in the Bundesliga and has already scored nine goals this term. He will be handed the No9 shirt by the Magpies, but insisted he is not daunted by the prospect of following so many famous names. Cisse said: "I am aware of the huge importance of the No9 shirt, and when I spoke with the manager he made it very clear how important this shirt is. I will treat it with respect." Pardew added: "Our fans know that this shirt brings its own pressures. One of the iconic numbers in world football - the number nine of Newcastle. It will be only fair that Papiss is given time to understand the responsibility it brings. As the manager, I wish him all the luck in the world to bring success to himself and this club." Pardew had been expected to dip into the transfer market during the winter window, but a central defender was thought to be at the top of his wishlist.