Belgium must thwart Fletcher, says Mignolet

Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is wary of club team-mate and Scotland international Steven Fletcher scoring when they go head-to-head.

Marc Wilmots’ side are currently second in Group A of their World Cup qualifying campaign, tied on points with Serbia and Croatia, after taking four points from their opening two games.

Mignolet – Sunderland’s number one shot-stopper – believes his side need to pick up points at home, starting with the visit of Fletcher’s Scotland, to avoid a repeat of the disappointment of not qualifying for Euro 2012, and they must do so by nullifying the former Wolves man.

“The Scotland game is a big one for us and we want to win it,” he told Sunderland’s official website.

“Hopefully we can keep Fletch quiet.

“It’s important in terms of qualification, as is the Serbia match. We play the Scots at home and if we want to win our group we have to win our home games.

“Hopefully we can do that.”

The 24-year-old is targeting a turnaround in Sunderland’s fortunes after the international break, starting with a mammoth Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle on October 21.

“Some of the guys are away and that’s a good thing for them personally to have that experience of being among their international squad and playing games,” he said.

“We can’t dwell upon the defeat at Manchester City. We have to forget about it because when we come back we have a big game to play against Newcastle.”