Sunderland play patience game with striker Scocco
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet admits Nacho Scocco is struggling to settle in English football and it may be next season before the £4m Argentinean striker comes good.
Poyet said in the Sunderland Echo: "I don't know how many good games we can get out of Nacho Scocco before the season ends.
"I had hoped that the final 10 games of the season we would start seeing the best of him after he joined us in January.
"Now we're into the last 10 games, we will have to see; maybe the last six.
"He joined us in what is the close season for him and it has been difficult for us at this stage to get him full match fitness and sharpness."
Poyet added on a player who arrived with a reputation as a creative forward with a keen eye for goal: "What I am looking forward to is seeing Scocco next season, after he has had a full pre-season behind him.
"I say that because we are all different. Some players find it easy to adapt, some players take longer.
"It is a lot to adapt to but it is easier if you are dropped into a team that is playing well - that gives you a better chance to show what you can do, and at the moment we are a side that is struggling for form.
"Scocco wants to play a part for us and I'm going to look at him - depending to an extent upon Steven Fletcher's availability.
"Scocco would love to play for us in the remaining games and I will look to give him his chance, if he is playing well.
"Hopefully we will start seeing what he can do by the end of the season."