Jermaine Beckford will thrive now - Sven-Goran Eriksson
- Published
Beckford is congratulated by Andy King (left) and David Nugent (right) after his goal
Leicester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson believes Jermaine Beckford's first goal for the club could relieve the pressure on him and lead to many more.
Beckford had not scored in five Foxes appearances, but got off the mark in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Watford, external.
Eriksson said: "It's off his mind now. It's good for him and good for us. He has the ability to be one of the top scorers in the division.
"Strikers live for goals, and I know he felt the pressure."
Beckford joined from Everton in the summer for a fee that could rise to £4m.
First-half display was brilliant - Eriksson
But Beckford's lack of goals prompted Eriksson to urge supporters not to be too quick to judge, external the former Leeds United frontman.
Eriksson added: "He came here and got injured and hadn't scored in the games he played, so it was very good that he scored.
"I had a chat with him. It is very easy for strikers to become very frustrated, I don't know why. It was good to see him happy after the match because he also played very well.
"He ran into the channels, which he is good at, and he helped the team defend. He was very good, especially in the first half when he did exactly what I asked him to do."