'It was like Borocelona!': Ashley Fletcher reveals why he is optimistic about Middlesbrough's chances

Fletcher netted the winner in the narrow victory over Barnsley, having also found himself on the scoresheet during the draw with Hull City at the weekend.

And while his goal against the Tykes came via a catalogue of errors from the visitors, his prior strike was steeped in quality and emphasised the type of football new manager Jonathan Woodgate is keen to implement.

“Someone said it was like Borocelona,” he joked.

“We practiced that day in and day out so when it comes off it is sweet.

“They are the performances we need to make more consistent and we wont be in trouble at all if we repeat those.”

While performances have been impressive in patches this term, results have eluded Middlesbrough.

But having now gone extended their unbeaten run to three games – while picking up a first victory since mid-September in the process – Fletcher is hopeful

“100 per cent we have deserved it,” he said of the triumph.

“The manager has stayed positive and that has been key, as players we have never felt worried.

“We have felt the position wasn’t good enough but we have too much quality in the squad to be where we are. Hopefully we can turn these performances in to wins.”

Key to Boro’s turnaround in form have been the performances of Fletcher and strike partner Britt Assombalonga, who were keen to ‘take ownership’ of the position the club found themselves in.

“We said to each other we have to start taking ownership of the position we are in and we did that on Tuesday,” explained Fletcher.

“The last two we have. Football is a funny game.

“Like me, I hadn’t scored for nine games or something and now I have scored in the last two. It’s crazy.

“The turning point I hope is tonight and we can go in Saturday positive.”