“Probably the biggest difference is that at the moment he’s playing regularly and up front,” the manager reflected. “When I brought him in during the summer it was because I knew he could play a few positions. I didn’t specifically look at him as an out-and-out front player. “I knew he could equally play on the left, which he had done for us at times last season when he provides good cover for Jonás (Gutiérrez), and on the right-hand side. “He is playing regularly in a team providing him with chances. I think it would be fair to say he’s been a bonus for us. “Did I see him playing as many games for us as he has done up front? Probably the answer to that is no. “I still look at him as an option in those other positions but I look at him as more a centre-forward now.” Some in Denmark would like to see Løvenkrands’ form rewarded with inclusion in the country’s World Cup squad. However, The Journal understands the player harbours doubts as to whether he will be in the right state of mind for South Africa after a traumatic few months. Løvenkrands has been a regular in preliminary squads for recent internationals, but has not represented his country since September 2008. Newcastle team-mate Fabricio Coloccini is in a not dissimilar position with Argentina – and Hughton would love to see the pair join Gutiérrez at this summer’s World Cup finals in South Africa. “I look at him and Coloccini and I would desperately love both of them to go to the World Cup in the summer,” he said. “Certainly if I look at their form at club level they’ve done themselves no harm. “If I look at what Peter’s done and the goals he’s scored for us, he has given them (Denmark) a massive reminder of what he can do. “The rest is down to him and his international manager.” Leon Best could step in if Løvenkrands’ fails to recover from his ankle injury. Danny Guthrie will continue in the centre of midfield with Alan Smith still sidelined. | 
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