Burley well aware of Fletcher value

George Burley insists Darren Fletcher will be an integral part of his Scotland team even though the midfielder cannot find a regular spot at Manchester United.

Burley's first squad has been hit by the withdrawal of seven players ahead of his first match as national team boss against Croatia at Hampden Park on Wednesday night, but Fletcher shrugged off the virus which kept him out of Sir Alex Ferguson's plans for the 3-0 Barclays Premier League win over Liverpool on Sunday to travel up to Glasgow for the friendly.

"A big bonus for us was Darren Fletcher trained with us with no problems," Burley said. "He's got great energy, he's enthusiastic and tenacious. He gets forward and will score you a goal."

He added: "There's no doubt if he were in any other Premier League team he would be a a regular choice.

"(Sir) Alex thinks the world of him but because of the competition at Manchester United he doesn't play every week.

"There are lots who would like to take him in the English Premier League and for me he's a top-class international. But he'll get his fair share of games (at United) and I think he's a terrific player.

"He has a good range of passing and I think that's why Alex wants to keep him badly.

"Darren has shown a clear example. When he first arrived he said to one of the coaching staff, 'Has the gaffer picked the team yet?'

"It shows his commitment and his passion to play for the country. I think that's shone through in the squad for the past few years."