Ings predicts swift end to Adams’ goal drought

Danny Ings says getting your first goal at Premier League level can be tricky and understands why Che Adams has struggled at Southampton so far. Adams was one of Saints’ big summer purchases, splashing out £15million to sign the 23-year-old from Birmingham City after an excellent campaign in the Championship.
The striker netted 22 goals in 46 second-tier game for Blues in the 18/19 season and Southampton reportedly beat off competition from other Premier League clubs, including Everton, for his signature.
However, his top-flight career has yet to take off since moving to the south coast, failing to find the back of the net in his 11 appearances for Southampton.
Having started the season leading the line for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men, Adams hasn’t started a game since the 3-1 home defeat by Bournemouth at the end of September.
He’s had just 20 minutes of Premier League football since then, severally limiting his chances of opening his account for the Saints.
Ings says he can understand Adams’ plight having found it tricky to adapt to life in the Premier League when at Burnley.
It took the former Liverpool frontman seven games before he opened his top flight account and he believes it’s just a matter of time before Adams finally breaks his duck. “He believes in his own ability and it’s an ability that’s been proved by the amount of goals he scored last year,” he told the Daily Echo. “He knows where the goal is. When you sometimes come to a new club, getting that first goal can be tricky. Che is an outstanding goalscorer. He is a nightmare for defenders and the goals will come.”
Ings says Adams’ arrival at Southampton has helped him to raise his game having been consigned to the bench during the early stages of the season.
The 27-year-old believes the addition of a new striker has meant all the forwards have had to raise their game amid the increased competition for places.
The increased competition for places hasn’t translated to success on the pitch though with Southampton the third lowest scorers in the Premier League this season.