PETER Løvenkrands’ prolific goalscoring form has been a “bonus” for Newcastle United this season and reward for the Magpies’ patience, says manager Chris Hughton.
The Dane faces a race to be fit for this evening’s televised clash at Bristol City and after six goals in his previous five games, his manager will be hoping he makes it.
Twelve goals in his last 11 games have been an impressive return from Løvenkrands, especially considering he took until late November to score his first goal of the season. It has taken him joint top of United’s goalscoring charts, level on 14 with Andy Carroll.
That Løvenkrands was so slow getting to grips with Championship football is hardly surprising when one considers the 30-year-old spent his pre-season training alone at Rangers’ Murray Park. “We had to be patient with him because he didn’t have a proper pre-season,” commented Hughton.
“In some ways we’re reaping the benefit of that now. He did start slowly because of that, which we knew would be the case. He picked up a couple of smaller injuries and had a couple of setbacks with his family problems (Løvenkrands’ father died in January). Luckily for us he’s very much peaking at the right time.”
Picked up as a free agent three weeks into the season by the club which released him last
summer, Hughton admits the versatile Løvenkrands has exceeded expectations. The Dane played 12 times as Newcastle were relegated last season, scoring three times. His impact then was encouraging, but did little to hint at the form he has hit in 2010.
Then the former Rangers and Schalke player was largely used on the wings, but Hughton believes he has reaped the rewards of having a settled position in the Championship.
Ryan Taylor 'ideal replacement at right-back' says Simpson Jun 30 2010
DANNY Simpson insists right-back rival Ryan Taylor has the perfect credentials to fill Newcastle United’s troublesome defensive slot when the Premier League season kicks off. more
Chris Hughton unfazed by lack of signings Jun 29 2010
CHRIS Hughton has admitted Newcastle United are unlikely to have any new faces for the start of pre-season training next week as he continues to fire blanks in the transfer market. more
Ginola backs Hughton in the transfer market Jun 28 2010
DAVID GINOLA today supported Chris Hughton’s patient approach in the transfer market – despite the fact a clutch of Newcastle United’s top-flight rivals have already pulled off several transfer coups. more
Steve Harper urges NUFC fans to stick with them Jun 28 2010
STEVE Harper has urged Newcastle United fans to stick with the team next season as he admitted everybody’s resilience will be tested back in the Premier League. more
Article
