I have more to offer Newcastle United - Demba Ba

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Demba Ba
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Ba's hat-trick at Stoke was his second treble of the season, and took his tally to eight goals in 11 games for the Magpies this season

Newcastle United striker Demba Ba says he is yet to produce his best form on Tyneside despite netting a hat-trick in Monday's 3-1 win at Stoke City.

The Senegal international, 26, took his personal tally to eight goals in 11 games following his summer move to St James' Park from West Ham United.

"I am playing at a good level but I can still get better, that is for sure," Ba told BBC Newcastle.

"So I am going to just continue working hard."

The treble was the former Hoffenheim frontman's second of the campaign, after he scored all three goals in September's 3-1 win against Blackburn Rovers.

Ba joined the Magpies on a three-year deal in June after West Ham were relegated to the Championship, although the forward's streak of seven goals in 13 games raised hopes of survival at Upton Park.

An impressive personal start to the campaign has been matched by the club as a whole, with Alan Pardew's side up to third in the Premier League table following the win in the Potteries.

"It was a very good night for me and for the team," Ba added.

"It's going to be very tough to stay up there, but at the moment we're really enjoying it. I'm happy for the fans and for the club."

After progressing in the French and Belgian leagues with Rouen and Mouscron, Ba moved to Hoffenheim, where he achieved promotion to the German Bundesliga and helped the club into Europe.

His form at the Sinsheim-based outfit attracted the interests of Premier League clubs, including Stoke, who rejected the opportunity to sign the player after he failed their medical, external.

West Ham brought Ba to England in January, external and he enjoyed six months in the capital prior to his move to Tyneside.

BBC Newcastle has exclusive commentary of every Newcastle United game, home and away, as well as match reaction, interviews and debate on Total Sport, weeknights from 17:30.

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