TONY PULIS handed Ashley Fletcher his first starting spot of the season in the Championship last weekend, in another indication of how he is still trying to find Middlesbrough’s magic touch in the final third.

Pulis has regularly insisted Boro lack the options out wide to really make a difference at the top end of the Championship, but he has so far looked unconvinced by those leading the line too.

Jordan Hugill, signed in the summer on loan from West Ham, is his preferred choice at the moment, but Britt Assombalonga’s emergence from the bench against Blackburn to net the equaliser has staked his claim for a starting spot again.

But will Assombalonga’s sixth goal of the season be enough to get him back in the team at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday? Or will it be Fletcher and Hugill to keep their shirts?

Here is a look at Pulis’ striker options and how they are doing under Pulis ahead of the trip to Loftus Road.

BRITT ASSOMBALONGA

League appearances: 12 (6 sub)

League goals: 6

The £15m man has plenty of support from the stands. He can certainly put the ball in the back of the net, even if he does miss plenty chances too, but he does look the likeliest to get in the right areas to score.

Assombalonga doesn’t make the sort of movement, hold the ball up or work the way Pulis would prefer his main man to do, which is why he could be moved on if the right offer comes along.

But money could be an issue for his suitors, so getting the best out of Assombalonga could still be the best solution for Boro.

MARTIN BRAITHWAITE

League appearances: 12 (5)

League goals: 3

The Denmark international was left out the squad last week all together and there is every chance that he will be allowed to leave in January, having been unable to strike up the perfect understanding with Pulis.

Braithwaite clearly has talent, plenty of it, but there is a sense that Pulis’ demands from him are not being fulfilled so it would be a surprise to see him back in the mix this weekend.

He spent the second half of last season at Toulouse and appeared to be on his way out again in the summer. Problems have resurfaced, though, even if both sides have tried to make things work.

JORDAN HUGILL

League appearances: 10 (5)

League goals: 3

The former Preston striker is the sort of forward Pulis likes. He works hard, holds the ball up and can put the ball in the net.

He has struggled for match fitness since his arrival but he has shown glimpses of his attacking quality in his ten starts for his hometown club.

The supporters want him to do well and he has three goals to boost his confidence, it would be a surprise to see him not figure between now and the end of the year.

ASHLEY FLETCHER

League appearances: 1 (4)

League goals: 0

Despite positive showings in the Carabao Cup and for the Under-23s, Fletcher has struggled to gain an opportunity at first team level under Pulis. He was a starter against Blackburn ahead of Braithwaite and Assombalonga, so it will be interesting to see if he is given a second chance against QPR. Pulis wants to see more from him, in terms of his desire to take his chance.

RUDY GESTEDE

League appearances: 1 (3)

League goals: 0

When Pulis first took over the former Aston Villa striker looked like he would be a regular. He can hold the ball up, bring others into play and will work all day.

He is good in the air, but lacks goals. Injury last season and then again in pre-season has prevented him from really getting a run in the team, but he could soon have those chances again -even if he is not a fans’ favourite