Football news: Darren Fletcher out for season

The Scotland captain has not played since November when it was confirmed that the midfielder was taking an indefinite break from the game following confirmation he was suffering from the chronic bowel complaint colitis.

It was widely anticipated Fletcher would not figure again this season as he gave his body every chance to recover. “I don’t expect Fletcher to come back,” said Ferguson. “Darren will be out for the season.”

CRAIG BEATTIE RELEASED BY SWANSEA CITY

SWANSEA City have released Scotland striker Craig Beattie by “mutual consent”.

Beattie joined the Welsh club for a then-record fee of £800,000 from West Brom in 2009. But since new record signing Danny Graham arrived ahead of their debut Premier League season, the former Celtic player, who scored seven times in 45 Championship appearances, has not figured.

COLLIN SAMUEL ‘COUP’ FOR ARBROATH

ARBROATH have described as “a major signing coup” the capture of Trinidad & Tobago striker Collin Samuel. The Second Division club received international clearance for the 30-year-old to play yesterday and he marked his debut by scoring the sixth in the 6-1 win over Albion Rovers at Gayfield.

Samuel, capped 24 times for his country, was most recently with Luton Town counts Falkirk, Dundee United and St Johnstone, where he played with Arbroath player-manager Paul Sheerin, among his former clubs.

KEVIN THOMSON SEES RED

SCOTLAND midfielder Kevin Thomson was sent off for Middlesbrough yesterday as Tony Mowbrays’s side fell to a surprise 3-1 defeat at Championship basement boys Coventry. The former Hibs and Rangers player received his marching orders for two quickfire yellow cards at the end of the first half. Former Celtic striker Scott McDonald scored Boro’s consolation goal with a close-range header.

Meanwhile, Scotland forwards Robert Snodgrass and Ross McCormack were on target in Leeds’ 3-1 win over Ipswich.