Cardiff boss Neil Warnock has expressed his frustration with Kenneth Zohore, who he feels "should steamroll" the Premier League.
The Danish striker was a key man in the Bluebirds' promotion campaign last term, which saw him score nine goals.
So far in 2018-19 he has made only six Premier League appearances – three of which have been as a substitute – and not found the back of the net.
Zohore has been nursing a calf problem and not been involved for the last four matches.
Ahead of Tuesday's clash at West Ham, Warnock was quoted on walesonline.co.uk as saying when asked if he was frustrated with the 24-year-old: "I think you're really being kind there.
"I don't think I could tell you how I really feel.
"You could say I'm mildly frustrated. I see so much talent in those legs. He should steamroll this league and that's my frustration."
The manager then said he had "no idea" when asked if he thought Zohore would ever have success in the Premier League.
Junior Hoilett is another player who scored nine Championship goals for Cardiff last term.
After three games out of the starting line-up, he made his return to it on Friday and netted his first goal of the season, the winner in a 2-1 triumph over Wolves.
Warnock, whose side have won two of their last three games, said Zohore should be following Hoilett's example, and added: "I said to Ken that when you look at that Wolves game, he should be there. He knows.
"He is a good lad. I don't think he's doing something purposely. I don't know the ins and outs, especially when you've just had a baby.
"Hopefully now he can sort himself out and push. I think we've improved as a team and it's easier to come into a team that's playing well.
"I think there's an opportunity but he has to have that desire."
While Warnock described Zohore as being pain free, it is unclear whether he will be involved on Tuesday.
Warnock said: "Ken is stepping up from Monday. He's pain free for the first time and has done some work with the rehab guys.
"I said to Ken he's got to set his stall out. I know (Callum) Paterson is doing well but he's a made to measure striker.
"He's got to push himself now to get back in the team."
Cardiff head into Tuesday's clash lying 16th in the table, two points above the relegation zone.
West Ham, who won 3-0 at Newcastle on Saturday, are three places above the Welsh outfit and four points better off.
