Darren Fletcher: Time Scotland Stopped Relying On Luck

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Darren Fletcher - Scotland (PA)

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By Andrew Southwick

Scotland captain Darren Fletcher says they need to start trying to play football, rather than relying on luck to win matches.

Manager George Burley has tried to introduce a more positive style of play to the defensive approach that saw Scotland win home and away against France and push Italy all the way in the last campaign.

It has not paid dividends, with the Scots struggling to third place behind Norway in the World Cup qualifiers, and failing to make the play offs.

However Manchester United midfielder Fletcher believes Burley should be applauded for his brave approach.

"He wants us to be more expansive, he wants us to get the ball down and play in the right way," he said.

Not gung-ho, we have to be hard to beat, disciplined and hard to break down.

"But we've got players who can play football. That's the thing I've noticed about the squad, that we've got a lot more technically-gifted players, players who can do something, players who can win a match.

"We need to keep the strong base and be hard to beat but at times we need to be more expansive and win games.

"We sat behind the ball for 90 minutes and nicked a win against France. That was lucky. Don't get me wrong, it was a great result. But you can't say it was a magnificent performance in terms of getting a result.

"We need to defend well and be solid as a team but we also have to attack at the right opportunities and try to win the match."

Fletcher was a doubt for the Cardiff friendly with Wales, but has recovered from an ankle injury and will once again lead out his country.  And the 25 year old says he is probably enjoying the best form of his career.

"I'm enjoying my football and, yes, I would say my form is as good as it has ever been," he said.

"That comes from a settled run in the team, playing in my preferred position of central midfield.

"I've matured as a player and I've got physically stronger to play in that central midfield position. All these factors combined, I feel as though I am in the best form.

"My injury is fine. There has been a lot documented but I'm not having injections before every game.

"I had one injection, which was a cortisone injection, and I rested for a week and it feels quite good."