Newcastle have handed a trial to Peter Lovenkrands, the former Rangers winger. The 28-year-old has been a free agent since having his contract with Schalke, who he joined from Rangers in 2006, terminated by mutual consent earlier this month.

Lovenkrands had been expected to return to Ibrox but the Denmark international will now attempt to prove his worth to Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear, who says he is happy to have Lovenkrands on board.

"I met Peter over lunch yesterday and he started with us on a week-long trial today," he added. "He'll be with us all week and then we can make a decision.

"But he's a player we are pleased to have with us, and one with a vast amount of experience to offer us. Pace-wise, he has bags of it, and I think he is the sort of player who will get fans off their seats. He's keen to join us and still has the hunger to play well at the top level."

Kinnear says is willing to play a patient game as he looks to strengthen his squad.

"There are an awful lot of names out there," Kinnear said. "But we have a full scout force and they are on red alert, going to various parts of the world, and we are just seeing how we go along.

"Finances are tight and we have to make the correct decisions with people. Therefore we won't be rushed into anything."