The Scotland international scored on his comeback in the Black Cats' 3-1 defeat to Ian Holloway's side at Selhurst Park.

"I'm happy to be back playing because it's been a long time," Fletcher told the club's official website.

"To get on the scoresheet was good too but unfortunately the result didn't go our way which was disappointing.

"That's 45 minutes in the bank and I needed games. I'm glad I've got that half under my belt and I can take that into the international break now."

Fletcher scored 11 goals for Sunderland last season in 31 games following his £12m move from Wolverhampton Wanderers.