West Bromwich Albion defender Gareth McAuley believes that Saido Berahino is struggling to cope with the pressure mounting on his shoulders.
Earlier this season, the 21-year-old received his first senior England call-up due to an impressive display, but the forward was left out of the Baggies team for Saturday's goalless draw with Hull City.
"It's been difficult because there's been a hell of a lot of pressure put on Saido from outside the camp," the Birmingham Mail quotes McAuley as saying.
"There has been a lot of speculation, a lot of hype, the England call-up and a lot of other things going on. It's a lot for a young player to deal with.
"We have tried to help him out and keep him level but he has probably felt the effects of it in the last month."
Berahino has scored eight goals so far this season.