STEVEN FLETCHER insists his failure to find the net for Scotland has not dented any of the confidence he has recaptured at Sunderland.

Fletcher scored his first goals this year when he helped the Black Cats to defeat Stoke City at the Stadium of Light nine days ago.

He played with a smile on his face again after a frustrating spell and he looked fresh and hungry to add to his tally.

But he was part of a Scotland side which struggled to add to their slender one-goal advantage over Georgia at Ibrox on Saturday.

Gordon Strachan’s side still went on to win and Fletcher was replaced in the dying stages after working hard in the final third.

Scotland’s victory was secured by an own goal from Akaki Khubutia, but Fletcher thinks his approach to Sunderland’s next game at Southampton this Saturday will only be helped by his display against Georgia in the Euro 2016 qualifier.

Fletcher said: “It was a good performance. If we had got the second goal it would have been a bit more comfortable, but we’re happy with the three points. We can look forward to the next match now.

“I was pleased with my own performance (although I didn’t get on the scoresheet). As long as we’re creating chances, we’re happy. If we’re not creating chances, we would be asking questions.

“If we keep doing that I’m sure we will score goals. Shaun Maloney has been claiming the goal already. It definitely gives us a confidence boost going in to the next game against Poland and if we take that performance in to Tuesday’s match we’ll have a great chance.”

Sunderland will head for Southampton on Saturday with the backing of a strong travelling support after their away allocation sold out at St Mary’s.