Jones just needs a goal - Kemp

Jones scored four goals in four successive games, and six overall in his first 14 appearances, following his club record £8million arrival from Sunderland last summer. But since the middle of November the Trinidad & Tobago star has found the net just once in his last 15 matches, and is currently on an eight-game barren run.

City assistant manager Dave Kemp has hinted at personal issues for Jones' loss of form, but maintains that rather than being molly-coddled, all he needs is a goal and he said: "Things go on in people's lives, little things that affect them - I don't want to discuss someone's personal stuff too much - but he'll be back buzzing very soon."

Jones was dropped for the first time this season for Wednesday's 1-0 loss at Arsenal, where he was an unused substitute.

Kemp continued: "You can do all sorts of things like put an arm around someone, but it's up to Kenwyne. He's a big boy.

"He just needs a goal - that's the biggest thing. If he can score it will give his confidence a boost. He doesn't need somebody blowing sweet nothings in his ear. His own inner belief will take over and we'll see the old Kenwyne back."

Asked whether Jones' personal problems were something he could overcome himself, Kemp added: "I had a big electricity bill the other day that upset me.

"Things go on in everybody's life, and some affect you more than others. But Kenwyne's fine, no problem at all. He'll be back firing on all cylinders very soon.

"He is a fantastic talent - someone who did very well when he first came here. He is just going through a dip right now.

"There is no doubt his form will return because he is a class player, and he has all the tools to cause teams major problems. We've complete faith he'll be performing at the highest level very soon."

Source: PA

Source: PA