Fergie ready for Toon Army

Three days after setting up Papiss Demba Cisse at Old Trafford in the Capital One Cup, Ferguson created Demba Ba’s second equaliser in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Reading at the Madjeski Stadium.

Ferguson teasing left wing centre found Ba, who headed and handled the ball past Alex McCarthy to claim a point for the Toon Army.

The 21-year-old – who missed the start of the season through injury – is now hoping to start Thursday night’s Europa League clash at St James Park.

Ferguson is now fully fit, and determined to build on last week’s cameo appearances.

“If I get my chance, it’ll be great, but I have to take it when it comes,” Ferguson said. “I’ll just be going out there to show what I can do. It’s a great experience to play in Europe.

“It is something I have dreamt about as a kid, and all the young players want to play in the Euro games.”

Ferguson and his team-mates left Berkshire happy to have taken a point from a game they never got a grip of ahead of league fixtures against Manchester United and old rivals Sunderland.

Ba cancelled out strikes from Jimmy Kebe and Noel Hunt, with three of the goals coming in a crazy four-minute spell.

“We’re definitely pleased with a point,” admitted the Eglinton man. “Obviously, we came down to try to win the game, but a point is still a good result.

“I just can’t believe it – I was so happy to see Demba get a touch on the end of it.

“This is great for my confidence, because I’m back in the team now and things are really good.

“Demba just got on the end of it and that has got us a result. We deserved something out of it. We just need to take our chances when we get them,” he concluded.