CHRIS Hughton is remaining philosophical after Blues’ recent goal glut came to an end.

His side scored freely in January, notching a staggering 18 goals in five games to close the month.

But in the last three matches, all at St Andrew’s, there have been two goalless draws and a late Nathan Redmond strike that saw off Portsmouth.

“It is a concern but there are phases of the season when you are playing better than at other times,” said Hughton.

“There are going to be phases when you are defending better, and there will be phases when the goals won’t be coming.

“We went through a period three or four games ago when we scored 18 in five games.

“That was a surprise to me because although we are a side that can score goals, I didn’t see that level of goals in us.

“There are always areas where you can do better but at the moment what we are doing is defending very well and that is as important as scoring goals.”

Blues, who have kept nine clean sheets in the last 12 outings, have Adam Rooney leading the attack at Chelsea today in the FA Cup fifth round.

Jake Jervis and Akwasi Asante have been drafted in as back-up.

Hughton said Rooney was used to playing as a lone striker from his days at Inverness.