Newcastle Striker Proud of Recent Goal Record

Newcastle United striker Demba Ba has revealed his satisfaction at becoming one of the deadliest strikers in the Premier League.

Ba, 26, has scored 15 goals in 19 league games for the Magpies, trailing only Arsenal's Robin van Persie (18) in the goal scoring charts.

The striker, who joined Newcastle in the summer, is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal but he told Sky Sports that he was relishing his current role on Tyneside.

"I'm aware of the journey I have made," said Ba.

"I have now got the chance to express myself, to do what I have always wanted to do in my life, and I make the most of it every day.

"I'm not really surprised. I know I am capable of playing well, as I have managed to do in the first half of the season.

"It's more than a surprise - it's a feeling of pride to be so high in the scoring charts alongside quality forwards like Wayne Rooney, Sergio Aguero and Robin van Persie."

"Everyone wants a starting role but, honestly, if that chance falls to another player, we will be happy for him and give him our full support," Ba added.

Meanwhile, Ba's Newcastle teammates will have to make do without their leading goal scorer in the coming weeks while he represents his country at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Lions of Teranga are certainly blessed in attack, with Ba, Lille striker Moussa Sow and new Newcastle signing Papiss Cisse vying for a starting berth up front.

"We have been preparing for this competition for two years. We are a group of friends and most of us have known each other for a very long time," Ba added.

"The good mood in our team will help us go far. Personally, I just want to carry on in this vein and win titles. That, after all, is the ultimate goal when you play football."