GEORGE BURLEY insists Darren Fletcher will be an integral part of his Scotland team even though the midfielder cannot hold down a regular spot at Manchester United.
Burley's first squad has been hit by the withdrawal of seven players ahead of his first match as national team boss against Croatia at Hampden Park tonight.
However, Fletcher, 24, shrugged off the virus which kept him out of Sir Alex Ferguson's pl
ans for the 3-0 Barclays Premier League win over Liverpool on Sunday to travel up to Glasgow for the friendly.
"A big bonus for us was Darren Fletcher trained with us with no problems," Burley said.
"He had a virus and had to go home before United's game at the weekend but he has had a good night's kip and trained so will certainly come into my plans.
"There's no doubt if he were in any other Premier League team he would be a regular choice.
"Sir Alex thinks the world of him but because of the competition at Manchester United he doesn't play every week.
"There are lots who would like to take him in the English Premier League and for me he's a top-class international. He's got great energy, he's enthusiastic and tenacious. He gets forward and will score you a goal. Darren has shown a clear example. When he first arrived he asked one of the coaching staff 'has the gaffer picked the team yet?' It shows his commitment and his passion to play for the country. I think that's shone through in the squad for the past few years."
The full article contains 273 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
