Blues boss Paul Jewell says striker Michael Chopra is getting back to his best, not only because of his three goals in the last two games but his overall performances against West Ham and Coventry.

Jewell says he hadn’t noticed that Saturday’s injury time winner at the Ricoh Arena had taken the summer £1 million signing from Cardiff into double figures for the campaign: “He’s got 10 goals, I didn’t realise that. He’s got a couple of braces in there. But it’s not just the goals, I think his general play has been more like the Chops that we signed.

“Since he’s been here it’s been a struggle for him but it’s been a struggle for us all, we’ve all struggled at times.

“But Chops has done it at this level and at a higher level and hopefully he can get the goals for the rest of the season to get us out of the situation we’re in and in the future be up the top end scoring goals.”

The Town manager recalled Chopra for the Hammers game after being impressed with his work day-to-day at Playford Road: “He has looked very sharp. He played his way into the team by his training.

“He looked very sharp in training and we decided to play him against West Ham and he scored after four minutes and played very, very well.

“He was razor sharp for our second goal on Saturday from the penalty and it was a brilliant header in the last minute. Forwards like Michael are all about confidence, and hopefully his confidence is high.”

As regards Chopra’s well-documented off-field problems, Jewell says his upturn in form will only do him good: “There’s no quick-fix. A week in a clinic isn’t going to put all his problems behind him.

“It’s an ongoing situation with Chops but if he’s playing well on the pitch that’s obviously going to help his personal life. I think he’s trying really hard and it’s a situation which has to be ongoing.”

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

glm86 added 10:46 - Feb 10 Well now he has got his problems and issues sorted out he can concentrate and put in 110% effort which is plain to see thats what happening by his last two performances. Wonder if he can now be our 20 goal season man. I hope so I think it would give him a boost and extra confidence which he will hopefully carry on into next season.
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JewellintheTown added 12:24 - Feb 10 Good luck with asking 110%. I'd settle for 100%.
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sudburyblue16 added 17:56 - Feb 10 glm86....did you read the article??!! He HASN'T got his problems and issues sorted, and probably never will. Peope with addictions face a life-long battle. As PJ said, a week in a clinic won't solve his problems. It's just that if he's paying well and scoring goals it will help him with his off-field problems. Come on Chops, we love ya!!! COYB
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s6blue added 18:23 - Feb 10 same again tom chops
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Marcus added 09:12 - Feb 11 The battle is won but the war isn't over. Keep at it Chops.
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