Steven Naismith left ‘shocked’ by Darren Fletcher plight

The Rangers striker is out of action for eight or nine months after damaging a cruciate ligament, but fully expects to be back for the start of next season. That is a stark contrast with Scotland captain Fletcher, who is suffering from ulcerating colitis and does not know how long away from the game he will require before being fit to resume.

“I was watching the television when I saw the news about Darren,” Naismith said. “I just couldn’t believe how serious it was. When you think back he has been battling through it for the last six months, it shows you how much of a winner and how much of a professional he is.

“What’s happened to Darren put my own situation into perspective. You have to protect your health – that is the main thing.

“I sent him a text because, like most people, I saw it all break on TV on Tuesday. I was shocked and I just wanted to wish him all the best.

“It was typical of Darren because he was more interested in how I was doing. That sums him up.”

In common with the rest of the country, Naismith knew that Fletcher had been ill earlier this season, but when the Manchester United midfielder returned to Scotland duty he presumed all was well. “He certainly never mentioned a thing to us,” Naismith continued.

“I remember the first game he was involved in when he came back, the match against the Czechs. He said he’d been floored by the virus, but that he was felling better. He had no complaints.

“You could never question his commitment. He hadn’t been involved in a single game for Manchester United, but he came back and played 180 minutes for Scotland.

“He’s not a guy who will lie down easy, so this must be a very serious illness. He’s the model pro and he will be missed.

“He’s the captain, our inspiration and the heartbeat of the Scotland team. He does everything in the right way and he’s not one of these captains who says it’s my way or no way.

“He floats along. He gives his all in every training session and he’s a terrific role model for any young player. The single word I’d use to describe him is ‘inspiration’.

“He speaks to you as if you’ve been in the Scotland squad for as long as he has. He gives his best and everyone should be like that.”

Having been out of action since sustaining the cruciate damage in a match against Aberdeen at the end of October, Naismith expects to be available for Scotland duty again by the start of World Cup qualifying, which kicks off with a match against Serbia next September.

He refused to say whether he expected Fletcher to be in the party with him, arguing that a complete recovery was all that mattered.

“It would be unfair of me to say when I think Darren will be back,” he continued. “I really hope I am back for the game against Serbia in September, but with Darren he can only come back when he feels ready.

“It’s a serious thing and no one wants him to take any chances. You just hope and pray that he does come back.

“He needs to be 100 per cent happy with how he feels. He’s a sensible guy and he won’t rush this.

“It’s a massive blow for Scotland. He is the heartbeat of the team and a hugely important player, but there was a period last season when he wasn’t available. We have players who can come into the team and step up.”

Having spent eight months on the sidelines with another cruciate injury in 2008, Naismith has learned that patience is an important ingredient of a successful recovery. “I’m just taking it week to week, really,” he continues. “It’s pretty slow progress at this stage of my rehab. After a few months you normally find it a bit more rewarding and are able to feel the benefits.

“I wouldn’t say it is any harder than the first time I suffered this type of injury. The physio has me in until six o’ clock every night and even if I can’t be bothered I know I have to do the work.

“If you try to cut corners then you are only going to run into problems. I’ve not had a date from the surgeon when I will come back. I’ve just got it in my own mind it will be the start of next season. I don’t think I would be any use to the team this season.”

Naismith was the focus of controversy last week when he said he would be willing to play for Team GB in next year’s Olympic Games – an event in which he could conceivably make his comeback. He explained yesterday that as an overage player he thought selection was unlikely, but defended the right of any player at least to think about the possibility of taking part, despite the SFA’s opposition to participation in a united British team.

“I fully don’t expect to be involved, but for those players who could be – and this is from a purely selfish playing perspective, not any other agendas or anything – it is another stage to show how good you are. It would be about playing in a team with some of the best players in Britain against some of the best players in the world.

“Everyone has to look at it from their own point of view. My gran was born in England, my dad was born in Wales. I had the chance to play for Wales at Under-21 level, but I chose Scotland because I am proud to be Scottish. People would have to weigh it up and look at it from their own perspective.”

• Naismith was speaking at Renfield St Stephen’s Church in Glasgow, where he was sponsoring a Christmas lunch for the homeless, organised by the Loaves & Fishes charity. A registered charity which receives no government funding, Loaves & Fishes provides food, clothing and emotional support to the homeless in Glasgow.