It's not clear whether Jozy Altidore has already had his final chance, for the moment, of proving his worth as a Premier League striker. But for tomorrow's visit of Blackburn Rovers he should be given another opportunity.
Alitdore has largely impressed in his short run of starts in recent weeks, but ultimately the American is a centre forward, and the ability and success of players in his position is calculated on goals, almost entirely if not exclusively.
And still his only goal for the Tigers was in the Carling Cup against Southend United.
There are mitigating factors for Altidore. Firstly, he is still just a lad. His size and his bravado disguise his immaturity. He is only just 20 years old, and experience counts for a lot in the Premier League if you are imported into it from a lesser or different footballing culture. Altidore learned the game in a fledgling USA and is currently on loan from Villareal, a Spanish team who have European aspirations each year but win little.
Secondly, he has proved himself in every other area of his game away from actual scoring. He is what colloquialists choose to label a "big unit", and his square-shaped frame causes countless problems for lesser built defenders, allowing him to create room on the ball and make opponents think twice about getting too involved.
Thirdly, he has been fantastically unlucky with the chances he has been offered. Maybe there remains a mild doubt about his finishing, but some of his efforts have been thwarted by wonder saves or fortunate goalkeeping, and he has gained confidence to have pops from distance which have missed the target very narrowly. It's odd to say this about a player who hasn't scored in the Premier League yet, but there does seem to be proper finishing talent within him. Perhaps the adage about the first goal being followed quickly by a good deal more applies to Altidore.
It also helps Altidore, though this time not through his own actions, that the other centre forwards vying for a role have not especially endeared themselves either to Brown or the supporters. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink has scored two crucial goals but seems to have become an impact substitute figure, and has largely been a spectator in the games he has started. Craig Fagan simply will not convince anyone entirely of his finishing credentials and evidently there's an issue - one which needs sorting swiftly - with Kamel Ghilas which precludes him from being even on the bench right now. Daniel Cousin already has tied a handkerchief to a stick and is waiting for January. Caleb Folan, the epitome of non-scoring centre forwards, is set to return from his loan spell at Middlesbrough before long, which is a real sign of desperation.
Altidore should play tomorrow against Blackburn because his performances have contributed positively, noticeably and selflessly to City's recent successes at the KC Stadium. The only thing he needs is a goal. And the only way he will get that goal is to be on the pitch.
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