BOSS Paul Groves is tipping striker Wes Thomas to emerge from his goalscoring slump and insists: He can turn the corner.

The Cherries frontman has struggled to find the net since making a tremendous start to his Dean Court career.

Signed from Crawley Town, Thomas revived Cherries’ fortunes last season by firing 10 goals in his first 20 appearances.

Since then, the 25-year-old has managed to get on the scoresheet just once in his past 20 matches.

Thomas has started both of Cherries’ competitive games this term but his barren spell continued when he hit the post in the 1-1 draw at Portsmouth on Saturday.

He is battling the likes of Matt Tubbs and Lewis Grabban to start alongside Lee Barnard when Cherries host MK Dons tonight (7.45pm) – and he has received the backing of his manager.

When asked whether he felt Thomas could soon get back on track, Groves told the Daily Echo: “I am sure he will.

“You see it with lots of strikers where they have barren spells and then, all of a sudden, they hit a run of form.

“Let’s hope that happens with Wes and that he gets a little bit of good fortune along the way.

“He has just not had that little bit of fortune but I am sure that if he continues to work hard, then things will turn round.”

Groves added: “It can be down to confidence and it can be about getting the opportunities.

“Towards the back end of last season, when we were involved, he got one or two chances but was unable to take them.

“We cover finishing nearly every day in our training sessions and we make sure that the forwards get as much finishing practice as possible.

“When it comes down to executing it on the day, it is about being able to stay composed in those positions and trying to reproduce what they have managed to do on a regular basis in training.

“The difference is the crowd and the increased intensity, so it is about being composed when you get those opportunities.”

Meanwhile, Groves has played down suggestions that Barnard’s loan deal is set to become permanent in January 1.

However, he did not rule out the possibility of buying the Southampton hotshot once he has assessed the situation.

Groves said: “First and foremost, we need to get Lee playing on a regular basis and see how those months progress.

“Then, we will take stock further down the line. He is a player we admire.

“We will just have to see how things progress.”