No more Roy of the Rovers for Fletcher as the quality of team-mates improves

DARREN Fletcher has never stinted on his Scotland chores but there once was a time when even he admits he tried to do too much. However, on the eve of a must-win clash with Spain, Fletcher says he has dropped the “Roy of the Rovers mentality” having been joined in the international side by team-mates who are equipped with the ability to share the burden of responsibility.

“I don’t feel I have to try World Cup passes or that I have to play out of my skin or play the ball wide and then get into the box,” he said. “I don’t feel the ‘Roy of the Rovers’ mentality, when all the pressure’s on you, because I’m surrounded by quality players and that definitely helps.” Fletcher can now look up and be reassured by the sight of three fellow Barclays Premier League players operating alongside him. In addition, there is Steven Naismith, who is arguably one of the Scottish Premier League’s most effective performers. “I’ve got Charlie [Adam] and Barry [Bannan] and James Morrison and Naisy, who’s playing so well for Rangers, in front of me,” he pointed out. “We’re talking about a four who can make things happen and who can change games.”

The Scotland skipper broke into the team during Berti Vogts’ reign as manager. The international team was enduring a phase of transition and Fletcher felt under pressure due to the level of expectation heaped on a Manchester United player. Fans looked to him for inspiration and, perhaps noting the mediocrity which surrounded him, Fletcher sought to give them what he thought they wanted, something which often served to have a detrimental effect on his own performance.

“I think I did almost try too hard in some respects to make things happen and to try more difficult passes and be the one who had to create something, because [I thought] if I didn’t it wasn’t going to happen. I’ve got older and matured and I trust the lads around me more, and we do have a better quality of player. I think that you do go into the game not feeling as if you have to be the one who has to make the gap. We’ve got ammunition in other areas of the park,” he added. “We can play as a team rather than one or two individuals having to try to win the match for us.”

The Scotland skipper heard his name being sung from the stands against Liechtenstein on Saturday night, having arrived from Manchester only the night before following a bout of tonsillitis. The fans clearly appreciated his efforts as he led Scotland to the victory required to keep qualification hopes for Euro 2012 alive, although Fletcher is not the sort to be motivated by vainglorious thoughts.

“Obviously, you’re aware of [the singing] on the pitch,” he said. “You can hear them sing your name. Any player will tell you that when fans of your team sing your name it’s a nice moment. But I didn’t do it to get that response,” he continued.

“I genuinely felt better, so I felt I could be part of the squad. It wasn’t a case of trying to make a hero’s return or anything like that. I had tonsillitis and I didn’t think I was going to make the game. As soon as I felt better on the Thursday, the manager asked: ‘Do you think you’ll be OK playing?’

“I said: ‘I’m willing to play whatever part you think I can play.’ I wasn’t coming out thinking I was going to start, either. I thought I might be a substitute or maybe not involved and try to recover for the Spain game.”

He relishes the thought of pitting his wits against the likes of Xavi this evening, having missed out on two Champions League finals against Barcelona due to injury and suspension. Providing he shakes off an ankle knock, Fletcher is set to anchor the midfield on a night when Scotland will require 11 comic-book heroes.