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Alan Pardew insists Hatem Ben Arfa can handle the responsibility of playing in a “No 9” role for Newcastle.

The Frenchman led the line for the Magpies in Moscow and could have snatched the winner at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Ben Arfa made his return after being on the sidelines for three months, and Pardew was delighted with his efforts.

Pardew said: “It’s something I have thought about in the past with Hatem because if I was a central defender, he’s the last person I would want to get possession in and around the box.

“He obviously isn’t 100% fit, but he still put a really good shift in today. He actually lasted longer than I thought.

“Dropping deep and Moussa going in behind, I think it’s a nice option, and if we lose Cisse any time between now and the end of the year, I will look at it again.

“I think it worked OK and certainly when he is up to speed – and I don’t think it’s going to take him long – he can play that role, no problem.” Pardew was in great spirits on the journey home from Moscow and now knows he can bring in fresh bodies on Sunday in the shape of Yoan Gouffran, Mathieu Debuchy and fit-again Papiss Cisse.

He said: “We are so much stronger in depth, I think that’s evident. Massadio and Mapou really and truly are pushing for first-team places, and they proved that tonight. Marveaux is beginning to push as well, and that’s what you want, you want your best players pushed.

“I am hoping our team will be stronger on Thursday in the return, but I have got to get a result against Stoke and I have got to get a positive result to give me the freedom to do that.

“I don’t want to go to Wigan on the back of a defeat by Stoke.”