West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic thinks Nikica Jelavic’s superb late strike in the 1-0 FA Cup win over Wolverhampton Wanders on Saturday is sure to boost the forward’s confidence.
The Croatian international has found game time limited since his move to West Ham from Hull City on a two-year deal in the summer.
Jelavic, who scored his maiden goal for the London outfit against Wolves, has clocked up just 303 minutes over 10 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers, providing two assists.
And Bilic explained that his compatriot, whom he has previously managed in the national team set-up, is not the kind of striker who is solely focused on scoring goals.
“His game is not only about scoring goals, he is very mobile, he gives his best”, he told the club’s official site.
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“Some strikers might worry about scoring his first goal, and it is important, but he never let it affect his confidence. It opened the lock for us, at home, in the FA Cup; it will raise his confidence of course.
“He hasn’t played a lot; he’s had a few chances but not many. So to score in a game like Saturday’s is extremely important.”
Jelavic, who counts Rapid Vienna, Rangers and Everton amongst his former employers, is contracted with West Ham until 2017.
The 30-year-old made his debut for Croatia under Bilic in 2009 and the forward has since gone on to earn 36 caps for the nation, scoring six times.
