PETER Løvenkrands has been handed further motivation to fire Newcastle United into the Premier League after being told he is still in Denmark’s thinking for the World Cup finals.

Løvenkrands, who is still mourning the death of his father Bent, is back in contention for Friday’s promotion six-pointer against Cardiff City and has been offered encouragement by the Danish national team management about his chances of forcing his way into their plans for South Africa.

The 30-year-old has not represented his country since coming off the bench in a 4-0 defeat of Liechtenstein in September 2007, but is one of around 50 players being monitored by national team manager Morten Olsen.

In an interview with Danish sports paper Tipsbladet, assistant manager Peter Bonde singled Løvenkrands out as one of the players whose form would be watched closely in the run-up to South Africa. Although still an outside chance at the moment, Lovenkrands has been in excellent form recently for United – notching a hat-trick to see off Plymouth in the FA Cup before scoring an emotional equaliser against West Brom a few days after the loss of his father.

And Bonde confirmed that maintaining that track record could see him make the World Cup squad. “You never know when a player will hit form,” he said. “If Peter Løvenkrands, as an example, scores three goals every time he plays for Newcastle it is something we can't overlook.

“It is a sign that a player is on to something – that can change the plans.”

Lovenkrands was not involved at all in Denmark’s qualification campaign, which saw them impressively top a group including Sweden and Portugal. But he was part of the 2002 squad that saw its tournament ended by England, and was in the squad for Euro 2004. Denmark face Holland, Japan and Cameroon in South Africa.

Løvenkrands was an unused substitute at the Walkers Stadium as Hughton, sensitive to the Dane’s personal turmoil, continues to give him time and space to come to terms with his loss.

The United boss will continue to offer him support but is hopeful that the striker will be available for the game against the Bluebirds, who are among a clutch of teams chasing Newcastle in the promotion race.

Hughton is considering shuffling his pack for the game, with Leon Best and a fit-again Shola Ameobi both in his thoughts as he toys with the idea of sending out a completely revamped strike force.

“It has been an emotional time for Peter and we decided to rest him. He will be back in contention for the Cardiff City game (on Friday),” he said.

“I believe that with Leon now in the squad we have options for every game up front. Leon has that pace and power and we have Shola (Ameobi), Andy Carroll, Peter and Nile Ranger, who all offer something different.”

Løvenkrands will not be the only striker in the spotlight on Friday as Michael Chopra returns to St James’ Park for the first time since his infamous derby miss in Sunderland colours last season.

The former United forward says he will not celebrate if he fulfils his dream of scoring on the ground he grew up watching football.

“Obviously, I’m a Newcastle fan, and it’s always been a dream of mine to score at St James’ Park,” he said. “It’s still my dream now, but even if I do score, I won’t celebrate. I’ve got a lot of respect for Newcastle and the fans.

“I go to a lot of games, when I’ve got a day off, I get up to Newcastle and watch them play.

“I still support the team – it’s where I was brought up – but on Friday, I’m a Cardiff City player, not a Newcastle player.

“I’ve got to do my best for Cardiff.”