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Skipper Fletcher beats the bug
DARREN FLETCHER’S desire to lead Scotland to Euro 2012 was far stronger than the virus that floored him earlier this week.
Skipper Fletcher stunned boss Craig Levein when he called the team hotel in St Gallen on Thursday and indicated he wanted to be considered for today’s must-win clash with Liechtenstein – just 24 hours after he was officially ruled out with tonsillitis.
Levein immediately booked the Manchester United ace on a flight to Zurich and Fletcher joined his team-mates in the team hotel at around 7pm last night.
Despite having been in quarantine back home in Cheshire, Fletcher will play today and on Tuesday against Spain if medics are convinced he is over the worst of the virus.
Fletcher said: “These are two huge games and I was determined to be involved in both of them. I felt a lot better yesterday and spoke to the manager about joining up.
“Obviously there is a lot at stake and everyone knows how passionate I am about playing for my country, so it wasn’t a big decision to make once I started to feel better.
These are two huge games and I was determined to be involved in both of them
“I feel fine and I will do a light session with the physios, then we will see what happens.
“The main thing is I am here and part of the squad.
“This is a massive double-header. A win against Liechtenstein is a must and we will do all what we can to keep our hopes alive for Tuesday’s match against Spain.”
Fletcher’s recovery and dedication to his nation’s cause has given boss Levein a massive shot in the arm, and he said: “I’ve been speaking to him every day, and he started to feel better on Tuesday, and he has improved since then.
“If the medical people say they are happy with him, then he will play. It’s as simple as that.”
It was not all good news for Scotland last night as Kenny Miller was finally ruled out with a groin injury after failing to complete a light training session last night.
His place in the starting line-up will be taken by Brighton’s Craig Mackail-Smith.
Scotland (probable): McGregor; Hutton, Caldwell, Berra, Bardsley; Naismith, Morrison, Adam, Fletcher, Bannan; Mackail-Smith.