Gus Poyet, the Sunderland manager, has challenged Steven Fletcher to win his place back after the Scotland striker was dropped from the match-day squad against Tottenham.
Fletcher was a surprise omission for the 2-2 draw with Spurs on Saturday, with the 27-year-old not even on the bench. The decision was made all the more starling due to the fact Fletcher had started every one of Sunderland's Barclays Premier League fixtures this season prior to the weekend. But Poyet has urged his £12m man to respond in the correct manner.
The Uruguayan said: "Was it a tactical decision to leave Fletch out? Yes it was. For the first time since the moment I came here - apart from the Capital One Cup final, when I had to leave Jozy [Altidore] out - it was really hard to select the bench.
"These are tough decisions. It was difficult, but I hope Fletch will react well and make somebody miss out on a place on the bench next week."
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