PETER Odemwingie has been backed to overcome his slow start to the season by Albion No.2 Michael Appleton.

The assistant boss accepts the club’s top scorer from last season is not yet firing in the way he was.

The Nigerian has scored just once this season, grabbing the only goal against Norwich last month.

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But his performances have also stuttered, with manager Roy Hodgson conceding he perhaps should have withdrawn the striker during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Sunderland – only to keep him on, more in expectation that he might deliver.

Appleton feels the 30-year-old is capable of turning his form around.

And once he does, the coach feels Premier League defences will need to be wary.

“Maybe Peter is trying a bit too hard,” said Appleton.

“It’s not a bad trait to have.

“You’d much rather have someone working their socks off to try and get their form back rather than someone not really bothered and throwing their towel in, which can happen to certain players.

“But if he keeps working hard and doing the simple things well I’m sure something will happen, whether it’s a goal that kick-starts him, some good play or setting up a goal for someone else.