PETER Løvenkrands has admitted he does not know how he would have coped with the death of his father if he had not received such strong support from Newcastle United as he thanked the fans for helping him through a traumatic few months.


Løvenkrands came off the bench to score twice in the brilliant 5-1 thrashing of Cardiif City on Friday night and took his tally to eight goals in 20 appearances this season to underline his importance to the side.

But it was the reaction he got when coming on to the pitch which thrilled him as he spoke for the first time about how he has struggled to cope with the loss his father, and the numbing grief which has followed.

Løvenkrands decided to play against West Bromwich Albion just three days after his dad passed away and insisted United’s promotion push has been the ideal tonic as he tries to keep a lid on his emotions.

“It’s been a hard couple of months for me with the death of my father and they (Newcastle supporters) have been a massive help,” said Løvenkrands, who also revealed he has no desire to be given the famous number nine shirt at United, as he is happy with his traditional 11.

“I really, really appreciate the support the fans have given me and I can’t thank them enough.

“Even when you are going for a warm up it feels amazing to have the fans clapping and cheering you.

“When I get on, the backing means so much.

“Playing for Newcastle has given me something to take my mind off things. It helps going out there and trying to focus on other things, even going into training helps. But it’s still very hard, you still get moments when it all gets on top of you.

“It can be really tough and that’s when it’s great to have the players and the fans behind you.

“It was a really difficult decision to play against West Brom but I want to help Newcastle get up. When I did what I did after he had died, it just felt like the right thing to do and I think people appreciated it.

“I thought about it for a long time, but I think I made the right choice. It’s what my dad would have wanted and it was what I needed to help me get my head around things.”

Although Løvenkrands’s late cameo was an eye-catching one, the Danish international argued it was Andy Carroll’s mighty performance at centre-forward which led the team to such an impressive win over one of their strongest promotion rivals.

Cardiff had been in sensational form before their trip to St James’ Park, but were blown apart inside 15 minutes with Carroll having a hand in all three goals as he gave another indication of the special talent he can be if he does not slip into bad habits off the pitch.

Løvenkrands said: “He is a joy to play with sometimes, Andy was terrific. He is pretty much unbeatable in the air and that really helps me. He is coming along really well.

“He is so mature on the pitch. He still acts like a young boy in training, but he doesn’t on the pitch. He’s matured a lot and it’s really good for the club because he’s going to be a great asset.

“He’s so good in the air it’s frightening, but he can use his feet as well. He’s got a really good strike on him with his left foot. He has so much potential.

“He’s still got a lot to learn, but if he carries on like he is doing and continues to learn, he’s going to be a top player.

“He is pretty much unstoppable. He has everything needed to be a top player and he can go higher and higher. I’m sure he can play at the highest level, as long as he continues to go on like he is at the moment.”

And Løvenkrands added: “We’ve been waiting for a performance like that and the boys were outstanding, to be three goals up so early in the game against a team like Cardiff shows we did really well.

“They are promotion contenders as well and we have sent out a message to everyone else in the division, I’m sure.

“There was a real buzz about the place and the new boys have got a taste of what this place can be like when it’s really rocking.

“I’m sure they’ve enjoyed it – and they are looking forward to staying here.”