Fletcher declares himself fit for Scotland qualifier with Wales

Darren Fletcher claims to be feeling fit enough to come through a 2014 World Cup qualifying double-header against Wales and Belgium on his return to the Scotland fold.

The Manchester United midfielder has only recently returned to action after suffering from a chronic bowel complaint that sidelined him for almost a year.

Speaking ahead of Friday’s all-British encounter in Cardiff, he said

“I feel fit, I feel strong and I feel ready for the games,” said the 28-year-old. “It’s great to be back.

“I’m just desperate to start. Hopefully I’m playing and I can do my part in getting a good result for Scotland.”

Fletcher has made three appearances for United since his return in mid-September.

Now Scotland manager Craig Levein is delighted to be call on him for the vital double-header, starting with Friday’s match against Wales in Cardiff.

National boss Craig Levein has said:  “When Sir Alex thinks Darren is capable of starting, that tells me he’s back to the point where he is capable of playing in any situation,” explained Levein, whose side have collected just two points from their opening two qualifying games.

“He has played some big games for Manchester United since he came back. I’ve been in constant contact with him for the last year or so and I feel he’s ready to go.

“He feels he’s ready to go and his club feels he’s ready to go, so I take it he’s ready to go. He brings a calmness that I think is important, particularly for the younger players. He’s been over the course so many times before. He understands the nature of this match.”

Fletcher insists he never gave up hope of representing his country again.

“I always believed I would be back and fortunately I’m here today,” he added. “It proves I always had the belief that one day I would be back and helping the lads qualify for a major competition.”

Scott Brown, James Forrest and Andy Webster did not train with the rest of the squad before their arrival in Wales early on Thursday evening.

Celtic skipper Brown missed the opening draws with Serbia and Macedonia with an ongoing hip injury, but Levein expects him to be fit for Friday’s match in Cardiff and is hopeful winger Forrest and defender Webster will recover from what he described as “niggles”.

Striker Steven Fletcher has also returned to the Scotland fold after an exile of almost two years having resolved his differences with Levein, but the manager would not talk about his team selection.

Levein said: “Although we’ve lost Robert Snodgrass, which is a blow, to have someone of the quality of Kris Commons to come in shows we have real strength in depth. Training has been excellent this week and I think every time you add a quality player it raises the bar.”