Darren Fletcher named in Manchester United squad

Scotland captain Darren Fletcher has been named in Manchester United's squad. Picture: Getty

The midfielder’s inclusion on the list that was submitted to the league ahead of Wednesday’s deadline raises hope that 29-year-old is close to a first-team comeback after being troubled by ulcerative-colitis, a chronic bowel condition.

Fletcher has played just 13 games since it was announced in December 2011 that he was taking an extended break from the game.

The Edinburgh-born player, who last featured in the Boxing Day win over Newcastle, underwent surgery in January that was aimed at “resolving” the condition.

Speaking at the start of August, the 61-times capped playmaker, who has not played international football since the November 2012 friendly win in Luxembourg, refused to put a timescale on a potential return.

Fletcher, however, was not included in Manchester United’s 25-man Champions League squad for the group stages.

There was not such good news for another Scotland international, however, with Craig Conway left out of Cardiff City’s Premier League squad.

The 28-year-old winger, currently on Scotland duty for tonight’s clash with Belgium, appears to have been axed from Malky Mackay’s plans following the arrival of Peter Odemwingie from West Bromwich Albion for £2.5million just before the transfer window closed on Monday night.

The future of former Hibs and Rangers striker Stephen Dobbie at Crystal Palace appears uncertain after he was left off their 25-man squad list.