Scott Brown relishing Fletcher’s Scotland return

Scott Brown helps to launch the national side's new away kit for the UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying campaign. Picture: SNS

Brown has been Scotland captain under Gordon Strachan over the past 12 months but he could be displaced now that Fletcher is back from long-term illness.

However, Brown is more interested in Fletcher helping Scotland work towards the European Championship finals in France than concerning himself with who will wear the armband in next Wednesday’s friendly in Poland.

“I’m not really too sure what’s happening, I’ve not spoken to the gaffer or Darren himself,” Brown said. “But it’s great Darren is back, it’s going to help us push for that second or third spot.

“It’s not for me to decide. But the main thing is Darren is back in the squad and looking forward to the Euros.

“It’s huge. He plays for Man United, one of the biggest teams in the world. When he was fit he was playing week in, week out, so it shows what a quality player he is.”

The Warsaw clash has taken on new significance after Scotland were drawn against the Poles in the qualifiers, alongside Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Georgia and Gibraltar.

Brown believes Scotland have a good chance of getting through that group, either as the second-placed team or through the play-offs.

“We are an up-and-coming team,” the Celtic midfielder said. “We have played really well in the last six or seven games and if we can keep that spirit in the dressing room, we’ve got a great chance.

“It’s going to be hard. Germany are going to be favourites but the other three or four pushing for second and third place is going to help, and the extra place will help as well.

“We have a good away record in the last few games as well so hopefully we can keep that going.”

Brown was launching Scotland’s new away kit, which is pink and yellow stripes on a white shirt.

“It’s lovely,” he said. “It brings out my eyes so it’s really nice.”