Sunderland signed Ashley Fletcher on loan from Middlesbrough until the end of the season.
Chris Coleman has admitted to the Sunderland Echo that Ashley Fletcher has lost his confidence.
Sunderland signed up Fletcher from Middlesbrough on loan in the January transfer window, and he has been selected regularly during his time at the Stadium of Light.
However, Fletcher’s form has been woeful since moving to Wearside.
The striker has still failed to score for Sunderland, and he is now under serious pressure from supporters.
Fletcher has been jeered during his time at Sunderland, and was taken off in Coleman’s side’s most recent match against Queens Park Rangers after drawing another blank.
Coleman now admits that the 22-year-old has no confidence, but he has moved to defend the striker.
“Fletch is better with his feet, his potential is in his movement. Of course he isn’t playing with confidence now but I keep my fingers crossed because if it kicks in I think he could be very useful for us,“ the Welsh boss said.
“He’s getting criticised as we all are but he’ll be bigger and better for that. We have to use our attacking players better, get them high up the pitch, gamble more.”
Sunderland badly need Fletcher to find some form from somewhere, as they are desperate for a goalscorer.
The Black Cats are currently sat at rock bottom of the Championship table, four points away from safety.
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