After a stunning start to life at Bristol Rovers, Josh Coburn's influence in Joey Barton's side has waned in recent weeks, but Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick is not concerned.
An injury-hit start to the season could not prevent the Boro loanee from making a huge impact when he debuted in October, scoring in his first appearance in the blue and white quarters against Cambridge United and he backed that up with eight more goals in his next 14 League One appearances.
But the striker has not scored since January 7, with his scoring returns diminishing in line with the form of the entire team, and he spent a period out of the starting XI in February as he nursed a knee niggle. In recent weeks, he has regained his starting spot and his performance levels have improved, albeit without the rewards in front of goal.
Nevertheless, if he does not score again for the Gas it would not change the fact he has been an excellent signing, with the 20-year-old playing a pivotal role in Rovers' best moments this season. And ahead of his return to his parent club in the summer, his manager has made clear he is not concerned by a dip in form; he says it is all part of the learning curve for young players.
“Josh hasn’t played as much lately, but that’s part of the experience and doesn’t mean that it’s a bad time," Carrick told Teesside Live.
"You take something from every situation you’re in. I remember when I was a young player, you take success when it comes and it feels fantastic when you’re doing well. But at some point, you might come out of the team and it’s all part of the experience and the learning curve. They’re the moments when you look back and you’ll realise you’ve learned the most about yourself.
"Josh will be fine. He’s had a really good season and it’s been a really good season for him. The hope is that he’ll take all of that in, grow from it and he’ll come back here in the summer a better player.”
Coburn has nine games remaining as a Rovers player and he will be desperate to make the most of them as he heads back north to a club that could be playing Premier League football next season.
Although the Gas have to navigate a long break between fixtures due to the international break and this Saturday's scheduled trip to Plymouth Argyle being postponed due to the Pilgrims playing in the Papa John's Trophy final.
Rovers are back in action on Good Friday against Charlton Athletic and Coburn's confidence will have been boosted by scoring in a behind-closed-doors friendly against a strong Aston Villa side last week as Rovers claimed a 3-1 win at Bodymoor Heath.
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