Phil Parkinson has backed Will Grigg to get back to his best after a difficult spell.
The 28-year-old is having a difficult season having scored just one goal since the end of August.
The Sunderland striker has been a regular in the first team this term, with injuries to Charlie Wyke and Mark McNulty helping the out-of-form frontman to keep his place.
Grigg has come in for criticism from the Black Cats' supporters for his performances, but Parkinson has leapt to the defence of his under-pressure striker.
Speaking after the draw with Coventry, as quoted by Sunderland Echo, Parkinson said: "I feel for him, he is trying.
“Sometimes his body language when he is disappointed in himself - it is not that he doesn’t care - it is just he is frustrated that nothing is dropping for him.
“He is probably thinking if he’d stayed on that could have come to me and could have side-footed it in. He is a very good finisher.
“I do believe that [he’ll come good], he is a good lad and wants to do it, he is doing everything he can to achieve that.
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“We definitely won’t give up on him, we will keep working with him, I see his qualities in training, his calmness in finishing both with his feet and his head as well.
“I’ve had several chats with him and want to help him. You don’t mind spending time with players who want to get better and want to improve, he is certainly in that category.
“His finishing is top, top class.”
The verdict
While supporters' frustrations are totally justified, you have to feel sorry for Will Grigg.
The striker is clearly struggling for confidence this term, and it seems that that the criticism coming from the stands is making things worse for a player who thrives on confidence.
It's easy to say, but you can't help but feel that just one goal would make the world of difference for the striker who would no doubt go on a fruitful run once his drought is over.