Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke admits he's going through 'tough time' as goal drought continues

Christian Benteke has admitted he is going through a “tough time” at Crystal Palace but the forward is confident he will end his goal drought.

The £27million signing has failed to score in 12 matches this season and incurred the wrath of team-mates and supporters when missing a last-gasp penalty in the 2-2 against Bournemouth at the weekend after defying orders to take the spot-kick.

Palace travel to Leicester on Saturday and Benteke said: “It is a tough time. As a striker you want to score. But I do not ask questions of myself, I just accept it is a tough time, work hard for the team, try to hold the ball and the goal will come. Last season I was playing not that well but I was scoring.

“This season I have played well but just cannot score. I am really motivated, though, because it is a challenge against myself.”

Benteke wants to make amends for his miss against Bournemouth, when he took the ball from regular taker Luka Milivojevic and his weak effort was saved.

He said: “I felt I let the team down because we are battling relegation and every point counts for us. I just wanted to take responsibility.”

Benteke, who has since apologised to his team-mates, added: “I will keep working hard.”