Wigan manager Steve Bruce believes on-loan striker Amr Zaki has allowed dreams of playing for a bigger club to affect his performances.
The Egypt international looked like an inspired signing when Bruce brought him in from El Zamalek last summer, scoring 10 goals in 16 league matches.
However, that thrust him into the limelight as he was, briefly, the Premier League's leading scorer and speculation intensified that Europe's elite were tracking him.
Bruce thinks that distraction, combined with injury problems, has contributed to the 26-year-old not scoring since December 28.
The player's relationship with his manager was not helped by him repeatedly returning late from international duty, which led to Bruce criticising him for being unprofessional at the start of this month.
But because resources are thin on the ground at the JJB Stadium, Bruce has had no option but to persist with the Egyptian.
"Our relationship is okay. The one thing I don't do in management is bear a grudge," said the Latics boss.
"But I am upset and disappointed with his behaviour and what happened because it does have a big effect on the dressing room.
"We haven't got umpteen forwards and I know what I would like to do with his behaviour - but it has not been possible so he is in the squad.
"At the end of the day he has not scored in open play since October, when he scored twice against Liverpool.
"Then he is supposed to be going to every club in Europe - Real Madrid at one stage - and I think the whole thing turned into a circus and it affected him.
"He has not been the same since. If he had kept his head down, kept working away and been the player he was at the start of the year, rather than being what he was at the moment, then everything would be hunky dory.
"I can't leave him out of the squad because we haven't got enough players."
Zaki's loan expires at the end of the season and it seems unlikely Wigan will move to make his stay permanent.
Bruce said the situation had not even been discussed with the player, although he did offer a glimmer of hope.
"It hasn't been brought up at all. That would be disrespectful to Zamalek, the club that does own him," he said.
"We have a month of the season to go and we'll see what happens."
Zaki may have to settle for a place on the bench again at home to Bolton on Saturday as compatriot Mido, on loan from Middlesbrough, is making good progress with a shoulder problem.
Bruce has also given his backing to Hugo Rodallega, another struggling striker.
The Colombia international was bought from Mexican club Necaxa in January after the departure of Emile Heskey but has struggled to get to grips with the Premier League.
He has not scored in 10 appearances but Bruce knows new players need time to adapt.
"He needs a goal but players take time to settle, especially from South America," Bruce added.
"He has definitely got good ability. Once he has had a good pre-season under his belt I'm sure he will be okay."
