Simpson signed for Hull in August

Hull City manager Nigel Pearson says he will continue to back striker Jay Simpson, who is still looking for his first goal for the Championship club.

Simpson, 22, joined the Tigers from Arsenal in August and has made eight appearances so far.

Pearson told BBC Radio Humberside: "Jay's having a really tough time of being able to do what he's here for.

"He's struggled to make the impact that he wants and I want but I will keep faith with him it's a simple as that."

Simpson, who scored 13 goals whilst on-loan at QPR last season, made only one senior start for Arsene Wenger's side in a 3-0 League Cup win over Wigan on 11 November 2008.

I think psychologically that can have quite an impact on a player Nigel Pearson on Jay Simpson's lack of goals

He also previously had loan spells with Millwall and West Bromwich Albion, managing a total of 10 goals in 81 appearances.

Pearson says he understands that the longer the barren run continues the more it will play a part in how Simpson performs.

"I think psychologically that can have quite an impact on a player, certainly a young man like him," he added.

Meanwhile, Hull are waiting to find out the extent of injuries sustained by Richard Garcia (knee) and Anthony Gerrard (calf) in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace.

Both players limped out of that game in the first half.

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