SYLVAIN DISTIN is convinced Nikica Jelavic needs only one goal to kickstart his spluttering campaign – but warned Everton’s players won’t go easy on the misfiring forward.

Another blank at Southampton on Monday means Jelavic has netted just three times in his last 17 games and only seven times in 24 games all campaign.

It’s in stark contrast to his impressive record last season, scoring 11 goals in 16 outings after arriving from Rangers in January.

Everton manager David Moyes has nevertheless kept faith in Jelavic, with the 27-year-old starting all bar three games this term.

And Distin is confident the striker has the mental strength to play himself back to his best.

“I’m not worried about Jela at all,” said the French defender. “Maybe Jela isn’t quite getting on the end of things like he has been. But he’s still getting himself in the positions, and he is still creating chances for his team-mates. Now he just needs that final touch.

“Mentally, he is strong enough. I am sure he still believes in himself, so he doesn’t need any help in that regard.

“But even if he does need some, we have such a good atmosphere in the dressing room that I’m pretty sure the lads aren’t upset about it. We’re all behind him. We all look out for each other.

“Once he gets one goal, the rest will come.

“Every striker in the world – well, except maybe Ronaldo and Messi – will have bad patches.

“That’s the life of a striker. They will always have good patches and bad patches throughout a season.”