Middlesbrough striker Ashley Fletcher took to Twitter to thank the travelling fans at Aston Villa last night, and praised his team’s battling performance.

The game ended goalless, yet Middlesbrough will undoubtedly have been pleased with the result, following winger Adama Traore’s fourth minute red card.

Fletcher joined the club in the summer from West Ham United, but has so far struggled to break his way into Garry Monk’s starting XI.

Only one start in the league and five appearances from the bench will be a disappointing return for the former Manchester United trainee, and Fletcher must begin to prove himself to Monk in training if he is to be considered for a starting spot.

His message to the fans will go down well however, who will hope that the youngster begins to fulfill the promise he showed as a teenager at Old Trafford.

The Verdict

Fletcher’s message to the fans will be met with great respect, and the 21-year-old will continue to adhere himself to the Boro faithful if he continues to praise their unwavering support.

Fans will be patient with the youngster, as they will realise the talent ahead of him in the pecking order is difficult to overcome, but will hope that Fletcher will play a prominent role in what they hope will be a promotion winning season.

Fletcher’s time will come at the Riverside, and he must patiently bide his time before taking any first team opportunities his manager affords him with.

Boro fans, is Fletcher good enough for a starting spot or does he have a lot more to prove?