By Craig Hope

PETER Lovenkrands sees no better time to break his away-goal duck than during this weekend's Tyne-Tees derby.

The Dane has fired an incredible 12 goals from his last eight starts on home soil but is yet to find the net away from Gallowgate this season.

Indeed, Lovenkrands' only strike on the road for United came during his full debut at West Brom last year, although, in mitigation, he has started just three times away from St.James' in the league during this campaign.

But with everything the former Rangers man currently touches turning to goals, he is confident that Saturday's clash could herald that elusive away-day effort.

"It would be nice to score on Saturday and it would be a good time to get that goal in a derby match," said the 30-year-old hitman.

"Everything I touch at St.James' at the moment turns to goals and that's not a bad thing for a striker.

"I suppose that's just down to the way the team plays; we're so strong at home and create so many chances.

"That's not always the way away from home and you've got to be more patient. Also, I haven't started that many away games this season.

"I'm hoping that my form gets me a start on Saturday because it's an important game, not just because of the rivalry, but because we have to keep up the pace at the top.

"We're in a strong position now but that can all change very quickly, as we've seen, but as long as we're winning we'll stay top and that's our aim."