Norwich City boss Chris Hughton is convinced Gary Hooper can fire them to Premier League safety.

Hooper has failed to score since a Boxing Day Premier League home defeat to Fulham ended a prolific spell of five goals in eight top-flight matches.

"Overall with Gary most of what he has produced has been good but strikers go through periods when the goals are going in and others when they don't and maybe the confidence takes a hit," Hughton said.

"He has certainly been involved during this recent period. If I look at the (Aston) Villa game he was key for Wes (Hoolahan's) goal, he had an opportunity himself and then a later one as well when he went through with the keeper to beat.

"That is just the ups and downs of being a striker. He is one who has got some goals for us, but the statistics don't lie. Our strikers have found it difficult."