By Craig Hope

IF the addition of Leon Best was in part designed to further motivate Newcastle United's striking personnel, then the response of two-goal duo Andy Carroll and Peter Lovenkrands was exactly what manager Chris Hughton had in mind.

The pair took their respective goal tallies to eight for the season with double strikes during Friday's 5-1 thrashing of Cardiff City at St.James' Park.

And, with Best having played the first hour against The Bluebirds and Shola Ameobi and Nile Ranger spectators from the bench, boss Hughton admits he has been left with decisions to make ahead of Tuesday's trip to Derby County.

"At this moment we have five forwards and they are all pushing for a starting place," he said.

"It's a healthy position to be in and we have a lot of quality - that showed on Friday night.

"You always want competition for places because it gets the best out of players.

"Leon has come in and we're delighted because he brings with him pace and power.

"At some point we are going to need and use all five our strikers in different situations between now and the end of the season."

And, when pushed on the issue of who starts at Pride Park, Hughton said: "I won't be revealing that just yet and I haven't told the players either.

"But I've got decisions to make and that is what every manager wants."