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ALAN PARDEW is convinced that Papiss Cisse can go on to become one of Newcastle United’s greatest No 9s.

The build-up to this weekend’s clash with Liverpool is dominated by the return of former No 9 Andy Carroll to St James’, but Pardew has heaped praise on the man who arrived from Bundesliga side Freiburg in January.

Cisse – who goes in against Liverpool tomorrow in red hot form – was the quickest Toon star since Les Ferdinand to hit the five-goal mark after his double blast against West Brom last week.

The player has won praise from Alan Shearer and Ferdinand in recent times, and has also been likened to Andy Cole.

Pardew told the Chronicle ahead of tomorrow’s huge clash with the Kop side: “You need a great start, and he’s had that.

“I don’t know how many No 9s have started as well as he has, but the best ones will probably have similar figures – five goals in five games. And that bodes well.”

Demba Ba will be itching to get back among the goals against Liverpool tomorrow.

The striker has now gone six goals without scoring – his driest run since joining the club.

Yet Pardew said: “Demba could’ve had two goals last week.

“He was a centimetre away from Cisse’s first goal, and got fouled for his second.

“He’s done particularly well.”

Meanwhile, Pardew has indicated there are no hard feelings between United and Carroll.

He said: “Andy will be welcomed back with open arms and is welcome in our dressing room.

“He was magnificent for us and nobody can take that away from him.”