Tony Pulis: Fletcher can score more for Albion
Darren Fletcher has got the technique to become a goalscoring threat according to Albion boss Tony Pulis.
The Baggies skipper has never scored more than five goals in a season during his 14-year career, but in recent weeks he has been moved forward to play just behind the striker.
His rasping half-volley against Peterborough on Wednesday kept Albion in the FA Cup.
It was only his second goal of the season but Pulis reckons his new position will open up the sharpshooter in the 32-year-old.
"Apparently he played there at United with Alex," said Pulis.
"When they went away in European games, Alex would push him on to people and let him break from there.
"He has got fantastic technique and it was lovely for him to score because really and truthfully he was the one leading the group.
"When we went a goal down you have a look at the next five minutes the one player who stands out for us was Fletcher, he brought us back into it."
The 32-year-old has never been prolific from midfield and usually sits deeper, but injury to James Morrison has made Pulis move his captain further forward.
Comfortable on the ball and full of experience, adding goals to his game would be the final piece of the puzzle.
"He is not just a good player," said Pulis.
"He is a fantastic member of a group of players and, as I have said before, if he keeps his head right then he will go into management.
"He's got that little bit of quality, that little bit of grit and determination that you need."
Albion have failed to register a shot on target in three out of the last four Premier League games. But the boss insists they are trying to attack.
"We've had loads of shots, we haven't been hitting the target," said Pulis.
"We had more shots than Villa last week but Villa had two on target and scored.
"It's a negative and we're very good at finding negatives in this country. It's something we want to improve on.
"We have to score more goals, we have to hit the target, and that's what we've been talking about."
