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Alan Irvine: Saido Berahino will return to goalscoring form for West Brom

West Brom boss Alan Irvine admits Saido Berahino has lost his killer touch, but believes the striker will rediscover his form in front of goal.

Berahino, 21, has netted seven Premier League goals this season, but has not scored in five matches as his side sink towards the relegation zone.

The Baggies are 16th in the table, two points above the bottom three, ahead of Saturday's trip to fellow strugglers Hull.

Irvine dismissed the 21-year-old has been affected by the spotlight after earning an international callup with England in November, but did not deny Berahino's performance levels have dropped.

"We have asked a lot of a young player," he said. "He had a very good start to the season, there was a lot of interest in him and a lot of talk about him.

"There's been a lot of focus on a young player and he has handled it well overall but I don't think anyone would have been surprised to see Saido dropping off a little bit, which is what has probably happened.

"I believe he will come back, he's a good finisher and I really believe the goals will come again."

Irvine has ruled out Chris Brunt for the showdown at the KC Stadium after the skipper limped off in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat to West Ham with a hamstring injury.

"I haven't decided who will replace him but he is not going to be able to play,'' he added. "It's a hamstring strain, it's not too bad but he's got no chance in playing in this game."

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