Fletcher to Risk Body

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has revealed he will put his body on the line to represent Scotland in the forthcoming World Cup Qualifiers with Moldova and Belarus.

The 21-year-old has endured an injury-ridden season at Old Trafford but has shown good form at times, prompting Scotland boss Walter Smith to include Fletcher in the 16-man squad to face Moldova despite not training recently.

"I have played with injuries for Manchester United in the past and things are no different with Scotland," stated Fletcher.

"After these two games I will have a few weeks' break so I will not have games to worry about. Because of that I would be willing to take the risk this time around but only on the condition that I am not going to do too much damage.

"I have a new season to think about with my club. If I tore a hamstring and was out for six or seven weeks that would mean I miss pre-season with Manchester United." 

Robert Douglas, Stevie Crawford, Garry O'Connor and Nigel Quashie have all pulled out of the squad, leaving former United assistant Smith with a lean squad.

Fletcher also reflected on his disappointing season with the Red Devils and is desperate to keep fit for a hopefully successful 2005/2006 campaign. "I struggled with that last year. My beginning to the season was not very good because I had been injured," he added. "I fought my way back into the team just before Christmas and I was fairly regular after that.

"That is why I am desperate to get fit for next season, have a good start and win things with Manchester United."