Alan Pardew has hailed the "priceless" talent of striker Papiss Cisse as the buoyant Magpies go in search of another significant scalp against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Cisse scored both goals as his side became the first to sink Jose Mourinho's Chelsea at St James' Park last weekend and extended their remarkable recovery to just one defeat in their last 10 league games.

Cisse's revival in many ways reflects his side's recent surge after he started the season troubled by a knee injury which left him without a goal until his brace saved a point against Hull at the end of September.

Pardew said: "Papiss is one of those priceless players. At the moment he is red-hot and if we give him the chances I feel pretty confident he will take them.

"Every team needs a goalscorer who can get you a goal and turn a game. Sometimes you might not be dominating a game and then someone like Papiss comes along and gives you a lift."

But Pardew admitted he remains cautious over Cisse's recent goalscoring streak as he continues to manage the injury he sustained towards the end of last season.

"We have had to manage his knee and it is an ongoing process," added Pardew.

"From now until the summer we will have to be careful with him. But by the time we get to the summer it will all be over."

Pardew would dearly love to continue his revival by taking the scalp of Arsene Wenger's men but he is hampered by the absence of both Moussa Sissoko and Steven Taylor due to suspension.

Rolando Aarons is also ruled out for a month with a hamstring injury while 21-year-old goalkeeper Jak Alnwick will be given his chance to shine after replacing the injured Rob Elliot at half-time against Chelsea.

Premier League rules currently prohibit Pardew bringing in emergency loan cover despite the fact Elliot and regular number one Tim Krul are now likely to be ruled out until the end of January.

And Pardew has urged Alnwick, whose existing contract runs out at the end of the season, to seize his chance.

Pardew said: "Robbie will be out for six to eight games so it is a great opportunity for Jak and he is very keen to take it.

"He has had a great start and fitted in very well. He has worked very hard in the background but never had an opportunity. I have great faith in him but he will need a lot of luck as well.

"He is in a great position - if he plays really well in the next seven games it makes it more difficult for us when it comes to contract negotiations. That is definitely in Jak's court."