West Brom boss Alan Irvine admitted Saido Berahino has lost his killer touch - but insists it will return.
The eight-goal hotshot has not scored in five Barclays Premier League games with the Baggies now sinking towards the drop zone.
They are 16th in the table, two points above the bottom three, ahead of Saturday's trip to fellow strugglers Hull.
Irvine dismissed the 21-year-old has been hit by the spotlight but admitted his form has dropped.
He said: "We have asked a lot of a young player. He had a very good start to the season, there was a lot of interest in him and a lot of talk about him.
"There's been a lot of focus on a young player and he has handled it well overall but I don't think anyone would have been surprised to see Saido dropping off a little bit, which is what has probably happened.
"I believe he will come back, he's a good finisher and I really believe the goals will come again."
Irvine has ruled out Chris Brunt for the showdown at the KC Stadium after the skipper limped off in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat to West Ham with a hamstring injury.
"I haven't decided who will replace him but he is not going to be able to play," he said. "It's a hamstring strain, it's not too bad but he's got no chance in playing in this game."
Source: PA
