Dane counters Viduka slur

Peter Lovenkrands, the St Johnstone winger, has dismissed Mark Viduka's slur on Scottish football by claiming it is one of the toughest leagues in Europe. Viduka said he only had to play at 70 per cent to be a success in Scotland, but Lovenkrands disagrees.

Peter Lovenkrands, the St Johnstone winger, has dismissed Mark Viduka's slur on Scottish football by claiming it is one of the toughest leagues in Europe. Viduka said he only had to play at 70 per cent to be a success in Scotland, but Lovenkrands disagrees.

The Danish winger, who signed for the Perth club in the summer, believes the Scottish Premier League is quicker than back in his homeland. "I think we play good football here. We have a very good Scottish Premier League. Every team has struggled to get back to full match-fitness after the summer but now teams are trying to get near their best form," Lovenkrands said.

"It is much faster and tougher here than most leagues in Europe and you have to hold back, play the ball early and then go fast on the attack. You could see the difference when I went to see Rangers [on Wednesday night]. It was so fast all match. It's a better league than in Denmark."

Lovenkrands has also promised fans, ahead of Kilmarnock's visit to McDiarmid Park today, that his best form is to come and that he will start adding goalscoring to his game. "I think my form is OK, but I have not played my best yet. I have struggled with an injury and am now looking to stay in the side, but I think my very best form will come good in time," he said. "I also want to score goals and I'm confident that will come soon."