Paul Hayes believes a consistent run of games will help Gozie Ugwu discover his best form for Wycombe Wanderers.

Ugwu has found the net just once since joining the Chairboys on a free transfer in September and has been peripheral figure in recent weeks.

Hayes though feels that, like any striker, a run of games will allow Ugwu to find the quality that convinced Gareth Ainsworth to bring him to the club.

The Blues captain said: “It is hard for Gozie. He came in at a time when I was injured and he started to play well.

“The biggest thing for any forward, regardless of age or form, is the more games you play in a row the better chance you have of playing well.

“You get sharper and start to understand the philosophy of the team. Gozie has been doing well in training and works hard.”

Ugwu’s appearances come in drips recently rather that the continuous flow of matches Hayes feels he needs.

The 22-year-old was however handed a starting role in the 1-0 defeat at Hartlepool United on Saturday but again failed to make a telling contribution.

He produced some neat touches and had a couple of half chances, but showed a clear lack of match practice as he missed the target on both occasions.

Hayes insisted Ugwu’s wayward finishing was further evidence that more game time will allow him to find the net on a more regular basis.

Hayes explained: “Gozie had some chances today and when he starts to get that sharpness back again he will start to score goals.

“We plug away as a team though, and it is not just down to Gozie, Thommo (Garry Thompson, Aaron (Amadi-Holloway) or me to score.”

Hayes’ comments were echoed by Ainsworth who felt that Ugwu had performed well during a team display lacking penetration against Hartlepool.

“Gozie worked hard and showed some good touches. I don’t think the service into him was great in the first half, but he did have some chances,” Ainsworth explained.

“As a centre forward you want to get chances and I am sure it won’t be long until Gozie starts scoring regularly.

“He has done it before at other clubs, but like I say we have a good selection up front and everyone is fit, so I will pick the players who I think can do the best job for us.”