Steven Fletcher awaits results of ankle scan

SCOTLAND and Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher is waiting for results of scans on his ankle after he was carried off on a stretcher during Friday’s World Cup qualification defeat by Wales.

The 25-year-old has returned to the Barclays Premier League side for assessment by the Sunderland medical team, the club confirmed yesterday.

Fletcher landed awkwardly during the 2-1 loss to Wales at Hampden Park and left the field after just two minutes.

A statement on Sunderland’s website said: “Steven Fletcher has returned to Wearside after picking up an injury with Scotland. Fletcher is currently being assessed by the club’s medical team and is awaiting scan results to find out the extent of his injury.”

The £12 million striker has been one of his struggling side’s few dangerous attacking options, and if he is ruled out for the rest of the season manager Martin O’Neill would be heavily reliant on January signing Danny Graham, who is yet to score after six appearances.

Former Hibs player Fletcher has scored 11 goals for Sunderland since he joined the club from Wolves last summer.