But boss Chris Hughton - whose side must wait until Monday night's trip to Preston to try to recapture top spot from West Brom, big winners over Bristol City today - says the forward is finally ready to play a full part in the club's promotion push.

Lovenkrands returned to St James's Park as a free agent in September after several weeks training with his old club Rangers.

The 29-year-old has been a fringe player so far, but Hughton – who watched him play up front for the reserves on Tuesday night – is confident he can challenge Andy Carroll, Marlon Harewood, Nile Ranger and soon-to-be-fit Shola Ameobi for a place in his attack.

"We knew that when he arrived that he had no pre-season," Hughton said.

"In effect, he was behind everybody else in terms of fitness.

"He's had a couple of knocks and a family issue to deal with, so he probably hasn't been at a level that we are used to seeing him at.

"We're a third into the season, and we'll be seeing him get his chance."

Lovenkrands – who can also play on the left wing – scored three goals for Newcastle last season after joining midway through the campaign, having been released by German club Schalke 04 after a injury-hit spell in the Bundesliga.

Ameobi, meanwhile, is pencilled in to return to full training next week, but Hughton won't take any risks with the striker, who scored five goals before succumbing to a foot injury in late August.

And Hughton won't necessarily name him in his squad for next Saturday's home game against Swansea City.

"With the sort of injury he's had, there's no point in taking risks," said Hughton.

"It's very much a case of assessing each day, and seeing where we go from there.

"There are two home games coming up against Swansea and Watford, so we'll see which one he figures in."