Miller urges Fletcher to bury hatchet

Kenny Miller has encouraged Steven Fletcher to make peace with Scotland boss Craig Levein for the good of the nation, after watching the 24-year-old star in the English Premier League yet again at the weekend.

The former Hibs and Burnley striker sent a text message to SFA official Frank Reilly stating his wish not to be considered for the Carling Nations Cup in February, and the player has not been considered for Scotland duty by Craig Levein since.

And with neither man willing to bury the hatchet, the stalemate looks set to continue – something visibly detrimental to Scotland’s hopes of qualifying for a major competition as Fletcher continues to impress in the English top flight.

His two goals against Sunderland on Sunday took the forward’s tally to four goals in his last five outings.

Fellow striker Miller hopes that the situation can be resolved before the qualifying campaign for Brazil 2014, even if it means Fletcher is forced to swallow his pride. He said: “If he’s [Fletcher] changed his mind, maybe it’s up to him to make the first move. Steven made his stance. He didn’t want to be considered for whatever reason. But we want our best players. If the gaffer wants to include him again then it’s up to the two of them to sort it out.”