Chris Coleman explains why he dropped Sunderland’s Ashley Fletcher

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Sunderland striker Ashley Fletcher has still not found the back of the net since joining from Middlesbrough.

Chris Coleman has told the Northern Echo that he took Sunderland’s Ashley Fletcher out of the team, as he likes Josh Maja and Joel Asoro to work in tandem up-front.

Fletcher had started every game he had been available for after joining Sunderland from Middlesbrough prior to last weekend.

However, the 22-year-old was dropped to the substitutes’ bench for Sunderland’s last match.

Fletcher was replaced by Asoro and Maja, but the change had little impact.

The Black Cats lost 2-0 against Preston North End, with Fletcher only being used as a late substitute.

And Coleman admits that the England youth international has had difficulties settling at the Stadium of Light.

“He’s found it tough coming into a struggling team,” Coleman said.

“He’s coming into a club with a lot of uncertainty, he’s had one or two moments in games where if he hits the back of the net things could be different.

“He’ll come through it, but with Josh and Joel they’re also young but they like playing together, especially when we play two up top.

“They’ve got a good connection, they’re big friends, so I thought it would be better to take Fletch out and give those two a start.”

Fletcher was brought in to be the man to fire Sunderland to safety, but he has failed to show any sort of goalscoring instincts so far.

The Boro loanee has not hit the back of the net once during his time on Wearside, and it remains to be seen whether he will force his way back into Coleman’s starting line-up.

Sunderland are next in action after the international break when they take on Derby County.