Fletcher is not for sale

Fletcher’s six goals in 10 Premier League matches this season, and five in his last six in particular, have ensured he is currently hot property. And with the January transfer window looming, McCarthy is wary of the vultures who could look to prise away the 24-year-old Scotland international.

“He’s a Premier League player scoring goals so he’s going to get headlines,” said McCarthy. “Players always do when they’re scoring goals.”

Asked if he felt Fletcher would be a transfer target, McCarthy said: “No. If I say yes then I’ve suddenly put him up for sale haven’t I? So, categorically, no.

“All Fletcher can do is play and score, for his career here and his Scotland career. He’s still only a young man, so all he can do is keep playing well and scoring. It’s a great feeling to be playing well.”