Striker Robert Earnshaw has been backed to rediscover his goalscoring touch after failing to find the net for City under new manager Peter Grant. Earnshaw last scored with a penalty in the 3-3 draw at Queen's Park Rangers three weeks ago, his ninth goal of the season, when first-team coach Martin Hunter was in charge.

Striker Robert Earnshaw has been backed to rediscover his goalscoring touch after failing to find the net for City under new manager Peter Grant.

Earnshaw last scored with a penalty in the 3-3 draw at Queen's Park Rangers three weeks ago, his ninth goal of the season, when first-team coach Martin Hunter was in charge.

But he has drawn a blank since then despite numerous chances against Birmingham, Cardiff and Colchester, plus a Carling Cup outing at Port Vale.

Grant said he was not worried, however, as the Wales international was still getting in scoring positions.

"The other night he's still got chances. He's had the chances, he's hitting the target," said Grant.

"It's not necessarily down to him. Sometimes you have to ask was that the right final pass?

"I've got no worries with him as I know he'll score goals. He's made the 'keeper work, he's hit the side netting, and in the other games he's always made the 'keeper make saves, so I've got no problems with that. I'd be more worried if he wasn't getting into any positions to get them.

"Yes, I'd like him to start scoring goals again, but I think the other boys have got to start getting goals as well."

City have scored just three times in Grant's five games in charge - two from Dickson Etuhu and an own goal in the 1-0 win at Birmingham.