Sunday 19 November 2017 23:12, UK
Saido Berahino can still turn his £12m move to Stoke into a success despite 10 months without a goal, says Mark Hughes.
The former England under-21 striker was tipped to become a full international before switching from West Brom to Stoke in January, but has started just two first-team matches for the Potters this season - missing a penalty in his most recent against Southampton in September.
The 24-year-old is approaching two years since his last goal and is unlikely to start against Brighton, live on Monday Night Football, with the forward having been limited to Checkatrade Trophy appearances to maintain his fitness.
"We've got a key period coming up and we're going to need everyone up to the right level to be able to have an impact if they are needed," said Hughes.
"He will just have to be patient. He's working hard. He's doing the right things in training. He just needs to take his chances when he gets them.
"He's come through a difficult time in his career. He's at a good place, he's surrounded by people who want him to do well and are doing everything they can to help him.
"It's a bit frustrating for him because he will think he can't show what he can do, he can't score goals because he's not in the team. It's a bit of a Catch 22 situation. It is difficult for him.
"Saido's general form isn't bad, he's just lacking goals. That's the problem clearly. Other guys are making an impact and scoring goals, which he hasn't been able to do yet. Arguably, he's a bit behind a number of players.
"We all feel once he gets one, he will get a hatful. It's just about waiting for that dam to burst.
"We've got him on a long contract. He's still a relatively young player. He's very much at the beginning of his career. There's more to come from him."
In-form Peter Crouch will set a new Premier League record for substitute appearances if he comes on for the 143rd time in his career, while Charlie Adam has hinted he might push for a move in January if he is not given more game time.
But Hughes is determined not to lose any depth in his squad.
"I think Charlie has spoken in terms of that, but we still need to look at our own situation, and managers and clubs will always be a little bit selfish in that regard," he said.
"So, if we don't feel it's appropriate, we won't be able to do that, even though we have acknowledged Charlie is frustrated because he wants to play more."
