The Scotland boss is a big fan of the West Bromwich Albion skipper
West Bromwich Albion’s Darren Fletcher in action with Sunderland’s Didier Ndong and Paddy McNair
Scotland boss Gordon Strachan has lavished praise on West Bromwich Albion captain Darren Fletcher, ahead of the Tartan Army’s match against Lithuania on Saturday, in comments appearing in the Daily Record.
The 32-year-old is set to win his 75th cap for Scotland at Hampden Park, having seen ulcerative colitis jeopardise his career in his late 20s at Manchester United.
Having played over 340 matches for the Red Devils, the midfielder has continued his career at the Hawthorns and quickly assumed the captaincy after his move to the Baggies in 2015.
Scotland manager Gordon Strachan
Straight-talking Strachan paid tribute to the way Fletcher has conducted himself on and off the pitch over his career, and suggested he is a perfect role model for young footballers.
“Darren is fantastic for the younger players in our squad,” the Scotland boss is quoted as saying in the Record. “I don’t think there has ever been a negative headline about him.
“He never causes any problems. All Darren wants is to be a football player, he doesn’t have any desire to be a celebrity.
“There are examples out there and it’s which ones you choose. The first thing you want to be is a good footballer, then you become a good team-mate. That is what Darren is.
West Brom’s Darren Fletcher in action with Mddlesbrough’s Stewart Downing
“He has had a few [challenges in his career], then you deal with them and what you see now is a guy getting his 75th cap and looking as healthy as anyone.”
Fletcher has featured in all of West Brom’s Premier League matches so far this season, wearing the armband on each occasion. With the Baggies currently in ninth position, and with a whole host of talented young players coming through under Tony Pulis, it is clear that the club skipper is going to be an important figure for the club in setting a solid example to those that want to become a successful footballer.
West Bromwich Albion’s Saido Berahino celebrates scoring with Darren Fletcher
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