Up and Hatem!

Tuesday, 20/12/2011

Hatem Ben Arfa has been told to up his game and give Newcastle United a boost.

The French forward hasn't come close to his best form since coming back from a long term injury.

But with fellow countryman Yohan Cabaye banned for the game against West Brom tomorrow, Ben Arfa could be given a starting role.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is a big believer in the maverick talents of Ben Arfa but said: "He knows he has to come up to another level."

Geordie fans have yet to see the full potential of the midfielder-striker who was out for a year with a broken leg.

But Pardew added: "He will find his best form before the end of the season but how quickly that is I don't know."

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