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Scotland manager Craig Levein ‘absolutely devastated’ following news that Manchester United’s Darren Fletcher will take extended leave from football
The 47-year-old hailed his captain as ‘one of the most inspirational players' he has worked with and is hoping the 27-year-old makes a quick return to top-flight action
13 Dec 2011 18:13:00
By Joe Wright
Scotland manager Craig Levein has confessed to being ‘absolutely devasted’ over the news that Manchester United’s Darren Fletcher has been forced to take an extended leave of absence from football.
The club announced today that the midfielder has 'accepted medical advice to take an extended break' as he battles to overcome a bowel affliction.
Words of encouragement have begun to pour in from the football community for the 27-year-old, and now his national coach has given his support to his captain.
"I am obviously absolutely devastated for Darren because I know how hard he has worked to get back to playing regularly for his club and country,” Levein told BBC Sport.
"He is one of the most inspirational players I have had the pleasure of working with and, on behalf of his Scotland team-mates and my backroom staff, I sincerely hope this time off, allied to the support of his family, will enable him to make a full recovery."
Levein has also hailed the Scot for his attitude off the field, and is hopeful the midfielder will recover in time for the country's World Cup 2014 qualifiers, which begin in September next year.
"Darren has shown tremendous dedication and fortitude, demonstrated by his ability to overcome this illness and perform at the highest level for Manchester United and Scotland,” the former Hearts boss continued.
"I spoke with Sir Alex Ferguson and Darren this week and the most important thing, at this stage, is for the player to be given time to rest and recuperate. Nobody is more committed to his country's cause than our captain.
"He is a central part of our plans for the World Cup 2014 qualifiers but, at this stage, his health is paramount and I would like to reiterate the best wishes of everyone at involved with the national team and the Scottish FA."
Meanwhile, United stars Rio Ferdinand and Michael Owen took to Twitter to voice their support for their team-mate.
"We are going to miss two big players in Fletcher and [Nemanja] Vidic. I hope they both come back fitter and stronger than ever," said Ferdinand.
While Owen added: "Wishing Fletch all the best in his recovery. #topbloke."
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The club announced today that the midfielder has 'accepted medical advice to take an extended break' as he battles to overcome a bowel affliction.
Words of encouragement have begun to pour in from the football community for the 27-year-old, and now his national coach has given his support to his captain.
"I am obviously absolutely devastated for Darren because I know how hard he has worked to get back to playing regularly for his club and country,” Levein told BBC Sport.
"He is one of the most inspirational players I have had the pleasure of working with and, on behalf of his Scotland team-mates and my backroom staff, I sincerely hope this time off, allied to the support of his family, will enable him to make a full recovery."
Levein has also hailed the Scot for his attitude off the field, and is hopeful the midfielder will recover in time for the country's World Cup 2014 qualifiers, which begin in September next year.
"Darren has shown tremendous dedication and fortitude, demonstrated by his ability to overcome this illness and perform at the highest level for Manchester United and Scotland,” the former Hearts boss continued.
"I spoke with Sir Alex Ferguson and Darren this week and the most important thing, at this stage, is for the player to be given time to rest and recuperate. Nobody is more committed to his country's cause than our captain.
"He is a central part of our plans for the World Cup 2014 qualifiers but, at this stage, his health is paramount and I would like to reiterate the best wishes of everyone at involved with the national team and the Scottish FA."
Meanwhile, United stars Rio Ferdinand and Michael Owen took to Twitter to voice their support for their team-mate.
"We are going to miss two big players in Fletcher and [Nemanja] Vidic. I hope they both come back fitter and stronger than ever," said Ferdinand.
While Owen added: "Wishing Fletch all the best in his recovery. #topbloke."
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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