I think keeping him happy was due to the fragility of his contract situation though (if indeed Pardew was just playing him to keep him happy), if we get into the new season with him tied down on a different contract then the ball is in Pardew's court.
I think him and the rest of our players would see it differently next season anyway depending on how we do, if we're up there fighting for a Champions League place again, aswel as doing well in Europe and the cups i'm pretty sure they would be happy with the rotation.
EDIT: In short, Pardew will not go into next season with a player he feels he HAS to play.