Levi Colwill is convinced the goals will flow for Nicolas Jackson once the striker clicks into gear at Chelsea.
Jackson scored the winner as Chelsea beat Brighton with a battling display in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, in what could prove to be a crucial moment for the £31million summer signing.
His strike lifted the mood at Stamford Bridge and ended a run of three games and 320 minutes without a goal for the Blues.
It also helped Jackson respond to criticism over his disappointing start to life in London.
The 22-year-old has been guilty of missing several good chances since his move from Villarreal and was under the spotlight after being banned for picking up five yellow cards this season.
Jackson will miss Monday’s trip to Fulham due to that suspension but Chelsea hope last night can be a turning point for him.
Team-mate Colwill is confident Jackson will build on his match-winning display and be a regular source of goals.
“Yes definitely. It doesn’t matter what everyone is saying and you just can’t listen to the noise,” said Colwill.
“You just go out on the pitch and do your job. He went out there, got a goal and created chances.
“When it all clicks, how many goals will he score for us? I know it will be a lot. I am so happy for him. Hopefully he can take it on.”
Jackson had a second goal ruled out for a marginal offside call and, wearing a splint and strapping to protect a wrist injury, his night exemplified a battling Chelsea display.
Defeat would have deepened the problems at Chelsea but a positive result lifts the mood ahead of their west London derby at Craven Cottage.
Victory may have come at a cost, though, after Ben Chilwell limped off with a suspected hamstring issue in the final minutes in another injury blow for head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Chilwell was due to undergo scans today amid fears he could face a spell on the sidelines.
But Colwill wants Chelsea to build on a confidence-boosting victory over Brighton, which included an impressive display from Cole Palmer, a £40m deadline-day signing from Manchester City.
“Brighton are a good team so it was a very important win to build momentum,” said the 20-year-old defender. “In the second half, we played a lot better football, controlled the game a lot more and I think that’s how we need to play all the time.
“We all know we are a good team with great players so to beat a good team lifts spirits and we need to carry it on.
“I want to do what I can to help the team and encourage players. I want to be a bit more of a leader from today. It all just comes down to timing and when it all clicks, we are going to be a very good team.”
Chelsea captain Reece James could be hit with a ban when he returns from injury after he was charged by the FA with allegedly abusing a match official in the tunnel following Sunday’s 1-0 home defeat by Aston Villa.
James did not feature in the match but is alleged to have confronted referee Jarred Gillett.
