BLACKBURN manager Mark Hughes has vowed to stick by Shabani Nonda - even though the goal-shy striker has scored just once in 12 appearances for Rovers so far.

The DR Congo international, who is on a season-long loan from AS Roma, hasn't scored since he bagged the winner in a 1-0 win at Middlesbrough on September 23.

However, Hughes is convinced it's only a matter of time before the African starts finding the net on a regular basis, and he's even taken the striker for one-to-one sessions in a bid to help him end his eight-match goal drought.

The Rovers chief, whose side faces Tottenham Hotspur in the Premiership tomorrow, said: "I think Chris could be a streaky goal-scorer.

"He's scored goals wherever he's played before, and if he gets a couple under his belt with us, I think he'll start scoring on a regular basis.

"I've spoken to him about his goal return and we work with him on a day to day basis on his combination play with other strikers.

"We need to make sure we are creating chances and giving him chances to score. If we do that then it's up to him to take them."

Although he's found goals hard to come by in the Premiership, Nonda has still made a big impression on Hughes during his short time in England, and his general attitude and willingness to work for the team has kept him ahead of Franny Jeffers in the queue for striking places.

Given time, Hughes believes he and Benni McCarthy have the makings of a promising partnership, but the onus is on the rest of the team to provide the kind of service they need to flourish.

"He's working hard and he's had opportunities," said Hughes.

"As with all goalscorers, when you're not scoring goals, you start to look at different parts of your game and, at times, you can question yourself.

"But he's been very positive and he wants to do well. He gives us a physical presence up there, which is important for us, particularly as we've lost Jason Roberts.

"I think he's a talent and a good player. He wants to score more goals because that's what he feels his job is, so he's a bit disappointed he hasn't had a greater return.

"He's still done well, though, and at some point in the season, I'll make a decision on whether or not to keep him.

"We have a deal in place - it's our option if we want to take it up. Obviously, if we do take that up the player has to agree to it as well.

"But that's in place and I thought it important we did that."

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