O´Neill holds high hopes for Fletcher

Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill has backed new signing Steven Fletcher to score plenty of goals after his arrival from Wolves.

The Scot, who has scored 22 Premier League goals over the past two seasons, is believed to have cost the Wearside club as much as 12 million pounds.

And O’Neill expects the sizeable fee to be paid back by the 25-year-old’s performances on the pitch.

“I think Steven will be terrific for us. He’s underrated, but not by me,” O’Neill told reporters.

“I think he’s capable of scoring goals and linking play which is very important to us, and I think at 25 years of age he’s got room to improve and get better.

“I’m delighted to have him for the next few seasons.”

The Northern Irishman remained tight-lipped, however, on following up Fletcher’s acquisition with a potential swoop for Manchester City pair Adam Johnson and John Guidetti.

“As good as they are, I don’t think our players can do it on their own and the more help we can get there the better,” he added.

“I’m still trying to improve the team, obviously. Like everything else we need some more help and we’re trying to provide that and get that there before next Friday evening.”