Fletcher excited for Scotland return

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher said he’s excited ahead of his Scotland return against Wales in World Cup qualifying on Friday.

The Scot has not played for his country since November and spent 11 months out of the game with ulcerative colitis, but the 28-year-old is thankful to be fit again and is confident he can be an integral player for club and country providing he can avoid injury.

“I want to play everything down about coming back and being an inspiration to people. For the time being I’m back and that’s all I can ask for. I still have to fight it every day and that’s not going to change,” Fletcher told The Sun.

“But I’m capable of playing in both games against Wales and in Belgium on Tuesday. It won’t be a problem for me as long as I don’t pick up an injury.

“Just to be sitting here in the team hotel the night before the game, it almost feels like I’m starting out all over again.

“I’ve got a lot more experience and there are things I know how to handle now but, in terms of my excitement levels, it feels like I’m about to win my first cap all over again.”

Fletcher’s battle with the condition is not over though, with the Scot revealing every day is a struggle but one worth fighting.

“It never goes away and that’s the thing I have to live with now,” he added.

“I have to watch my diet and take certain medication or it could come back again. It’s a battle every day. I’m never going to be 100 per cent and that’s something I must live with for the rest of my life.”