Five goals in 16 matches might not seem like a terrific return, but for Middlesbrough striker Ashley Fletcher it is close to a return to the sort of form that once had him marked out as a wonder-kid.

Fletcher bagged this weekend as his side Middlesbrough earned a vital win in their quest for a play-off spot. They're six points clear of seventh place now, but remain seven adrift of the top two.

If the play-offs were the aim then there's going to be a degree of joy once the season concludes, but for Fletcher he must feel like a personal battle is also slowly being won.

He has had a tough time since leaving Manchester United for West Ham in 2016.

His time in East London didn't bring regular game time nor goals, just two starts and 14 further outings from the bench make up his career with the Hammers.

Even his move to Boro didn't spark the form he showed during his United spell and the loan time at Barnsley. He struggled to break into Tony Pulis' side last season and ended up being farmed out on loan to Sunderland.

Fletcher comes across as a quiet and thoughtful player, a man driven by confidence but decimated when that confidence leaves him. He scored just twice in 15 outings for Sunderland as they were relegated.

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It's why a recent start and goal will have given him a huge boost. At 23-years-old he's still got much of his career to look forward to and in finally bagging in the Championship, he should be feeling that surge of self-belief. His other goals have all come in cup competitions, but now he's off the mark in the main event.

Boro have now won two on the bounce and are looking to cement their place in the top six.

They've switched to a 4-4-2 with Assombalonga and Fletcher up front and having a partner, as well as having belief in his own ability, will be huge for Ashley Fletcher.

He's got one Championship goal but if he keeps his place in the side, he might add a few more over the course of the next 13 matches.