STEVEN Fletcher returns to Turf Moor for the first time on Saturday – but he faces a battle just to get on the Sunderland bench.

Fletcher remains Burnley’s joint record signing, matched only when George Boyd joined the Clarets from Hull City for £3m on September 1.

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Fletcher arrived at Turf Moor from Hibernian at the start of their first season in the Premier League in 2009, proving a success with 12 goals that season even though Burnley ultimately suffered relegation.

His form was enough to keep him in the Premier League as he joined Wolves for £7.5m after only one season with Burnley.

When Wolves too were relegated in 2012, he moved on to Sunderland for £12m.

The Scot netted 11 goals in his first season for the Black Cats but found the net only three times last season and surprisingly did not even make the bench for Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Tottenham.

Now Sunderland travel to Turf Moor on Saturday and boss Gus Poyet has backed Fletcher to respond well to his omission from the Spurs game.

Asked about his decision to leave out Fletcher, Poyet said: “It was the hardest decision since the cup final, when Jozy (Altidore) was not in.

“That normally only happens in the top teams, when the big players are left out of the squad.

“But adapt from the final, like I said, it was very easy to make the bench last season.

“It was tough and I’m sure Fletch will react well and make sure someone else is left off the bench next week.”