PETER Lovenkrands has urged Chris Hughton to allow him to recapture the form which transformed him into an instant cult hero at Newcastle United.
The Danish international’s made a flying start after his arrival at Newcastle, and United supporters quickly coined the now-famous “signed on a free from Germany” terrace chant.
And his performance in the Reserves’ 3-2 win over Hartlepool last night handed Hughton a boost in the build- up to the trip to Preston North End.
After responding to another warm reception from United fans last night with a neat strike at the Leazes End, the Dane is now keen on taking up a place in Newcastle’s frontline after a frustrating start to the season.
The stop-start nature of the ex-Rangers man’s campaign to date was not helped by an illness to his father in his native Denmark.
But now though he is keen to grab his chance in the United attack alongside Andy Carroll, Nile Ranger, Shola Ameobi or Marlon Harewood.
He told the Chronicle today: “That’s my favourite position, up front or just behind the main striker.
“I just want a similar sort of chance to the one when I first arrived at the club.
“Then I played for six months and did well. I want to get back to that.
“I played up front then, but this season I have had just one game up there and the rest has been elsewhere. Hopefully last night can help me to push for that.
“I hope to get a start soon.
“I’ve played up front there for 80 minutes and it’s great to get a chance.
“That hopefully shows I’m ready for the first team if I get my chance.
“Hopefully last night can help me push for that.
“If Chris wanted me to play left wing, left-back or even goalie I will play anywhere for the club, as long as I play, but hopefully I’ll get my chance up front.”
Lovenkrands missed United’s last road trip to Sheffield United when Newcastle triumphed 1-0 but was back on the scene for the 3-1 win over Peterborough as sub.
Reflecting on his recent family problems, he said: “It’s great to get a run out because I need match fitness.
“I missed the Sheffield United game because of family problems but it’s great to be playing again.
“To get a goal is also great for confidence.”
“They (the family problems) are not totally behind me, but hopefully we’ll see an end to it soon. It is still there but I need to try to work with it.”
However, Lovenkrands also believes he can offer United something different in attack, with Carroll, Ameobi and Ranger all proving to be crowd
favourites this season so far.
He said: “There’s so many games to go and you need bodies.
“Anything can happen so I just need to try to stay fit and be ready to play when the chance comes.
“They are all big boys but my game is about speed and picking things up off the floor.
“It’s a different way to go and something that I hope to get the chance to show can work.”
Carroll played the full 90 minutes in England Under-21s’ 0-0 draw in Lithuania and returns to training tomorrow.
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