Owner Mike Ashley arrived by helicopter at the club's training ground on Thursday to formally welcome the five players he has signed for Pardew this month to Tyneside, and also to re-assure them, their new team-mates and their manager that there would be no dramatic deadline-day departures.
That came as a boost to Pardew, who lost leading striker Demba Ba to Chelsea during the opening week of the winter window after the Blues activated the well-publicised release-clause in his contract.
The Senegal international will return to St James' Park this weekend needing no introduction, and his former manager knows exactly what will be required to spoil his day.
Pardew said: "You know if you give him an opportunity, there's a good chance he's going to score. You have got to limit his opportunities, Demba.
"He's a clinical finisher, so it's about not giving him the moment."
