Hearts of Oak coach Frank Nuttall has jumped to the defense of beleaguered striker Cosmos Dauda following pressure from fans to relegate him to the bench.

The Nigerian-born poacher has failed to replicate his last season’s form for the premier league giants where he finished as their top scorer.

He has registered just one goal in as many games for the Phobians, and was wasteful in the side’s 1-1 stalemate against Bechem United over the weekend at the Accra Sports Stadium.

However, Nuttall is not bowing to the pressure as he remains defiant that the under-fire striker will hit his stride soon.

“People look at Cosmos Dauda with only one eye open or maybe they have a slanted opinion of the player, but this was the top scorer for the club last year.”

“This a guy who works physically very hard so I will continue to support him but he knows like everyone else about how they need to keep working hard to stay in the team.

“We have got guys who can come off the bench and are really trying as well and I’ve got others who unable to on but are ready to play.”

Hearts are 3rd on the log with 19 points after match day 12 of the Ghana Premier League.