HUNGARIAN striker Peter Kovacs wants to use his Sunderland trial to prove he can help the club rediscover their goalscoring touch, wrties Steven Baker.

Sunderland's promotion campaign has suffered in recent weeks as they have scored just once in their last four home games.

Kovacs, who plays for Tromso in Norway, is determined to take this opportunity to impress Mick McCarthy after being permitted to train with Sunderland by his club.

He said: "I will train with Sunderland until Thursday. This is a great chance for me."

Tromso chairman Gunnar Wilhelmsen refused to commit himself regarding the possibility of Kovacs moving to Wearside on a permanent basis.

He said: "We have a contract with Peter but we will deal with any firm offers if they come. Before that happens I will not speculate about anything."

Sunderland expect to find out today the results from a scan on the knee injury that Gary Breen suffered against Coventry City on Saturday.

* Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard has revealed how the tensions of what is now a three-cornered battle for the Premiership crown is affecting the champions.

United clawed another priceless victory at Anfield against Liverpool on Sunday and Howard has his sights on keeping up with Arsenal and Chelsea.

Howard said after the 2-1 win at Anfield: ''Every week it is a battle to keep it going, to stay in contact with the other two.

''Neither of the other two sides up at the top is conceding very much, so we know we have to keep scrapping and pushing.''

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