John Eustace has challenged Blackburn Rovers' existing forward to step up as they wait for attacking reinforcements.
Goals have been the major issue for Rovers this season. They have lost five of their last eight games and each of those has been without scoring.
Whilst it is blindingly obvious that the squad needs bolstering in attack, Eustace also wants more from the group he has.
“I spoke about it from day one. We want people to step up," Eustace told The Lancashire Telegraph.
"You've got to remember at the start of the season, we lost a player who scored 33 goals for us last year.
“Favourites for relegation, small squad, small budget and look where we are in the league. It's important when you lose 11 senior players like we have that we keep fighting and keep going.
“That's the mentality that the group has got. It was a disappointing night but you could see the effort and the attitude was still there. We have just got to keep believing in what we are doing.”
He added: “We need to be more clinical. We are creating the opportunities. I think when you look at the games we have lost, we have played four of the top four teams.
“The Burnley game, we played well. We were disappointed to lose the game, obviously. We played Sunderland and got a draw, Leeds with a draw. We beat Middlesbrough (cup), who are a top team.
“Although we have lost a few games, the performances have been very good. This is the Championship. It is about getting that level of consistency week in, week out.
“We are sixth still in the league. We have to put things into perspective with having 11 senior players out as well, who probably most of them would start.
“It just shows how well the group have stuck in there and they keep fighting. We don't use any excuses at all. We have still got a fighting chance.
“Obviously, we speak about improving the squad. Everyone would love to see some improvement to help the group, who have been magnificent up to now. Hopefully, we can get that.”
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