Cologne coach backs Mikey Moore to end slow start in front of goal

Cologne coach René Wagner has backed Tottenham loanee Mikey Moore, urging him to keep working and play with courage and confidence, and saying his efforts will pay off sooner or later.

Moore has played in eight Bundesliga matches, logging close to 500 minutes without scoring. He began his Cologne spell with an assist in a 4-1 defeat to Stuttgart, while Wagner made his comments after the 2-1 loss to Bayer Leverkusen.

Wagner noted that Moore needs time to adapt to a new league, recalling his slow start during a previous loan spell at Rangers before he went on to impress. The player has also joined the England Under-21 squad, hoping to make his first appearance for them.