Middlesbrough striker opens up on his 'tough' Sunderland loan spell

Britt Assombalonga, Boro’s top scorer with six goals this season, has missed his side’s last two games with an ankle injury.

As a result, the Teessiders have altered their shape in recent weeks, with Fletcher leading the line on his own away at Nottingham Forest and Swansea.

“It’s tough, I can’t lie,” said Fletcher when asked about his role.

“The Forest game I was playing up there against Michael Dawson who’s played in the Premier League and is very well respected.

“We got a point and I thought I did a good job holding the ball up and laying people off.

“In the Swansea game I obviously set the goal up so it’s somewhere I can play. I don’t mind playing there, obviously it’s tough but hopefully Britt can be back on Friday so we can link-up again.”

Fletcher has recently spoke about his difficult loan spell at Sunderland in 2017 and how it helped him “become a man.”

The 24-year-old was also played up front on his own at the Stadium of Light and believes the experience has helped him develop.

“I take different pieces from different places and obviously I played up there for Sunderland on my own,” Fletcher adds.

“It was tough but now I know what it’s like and that can help me as it has done the last two games.”

Meanwhile, Hartlepool United have been drawn away to Sunderland or Willingham in the quarter final of the Durham Challenge Cup.

The tie is due to take place in the week preceding Saturday, January 25.

Pools confirmed their place in the last eight following a 3-0 win at home to Tow Law Town at Victoria Park earlier in the month.

Sunderland’s second round match against Willingham due to take place this week was postponed with a new date yet to be set.