Demands of captaincy could bring out best in dynamic Fletcher

Published Date: 08 October 2008 THE decision to name Darren Fletcher as Scotland captain for this weekend's crucial World Cup qualifier against Norway is one grounded in the sound reason which has characterised George Burley's managerial reign so far. Fletcher, for anyone armed with even fleeting knowledge of the manager's methods, was always marked out as the outstanding candidate, and takes over from the suspended Stephen McManus, who, in turn, had stepped in for the injured Barry Ferguson. Both will look on as Fletcher, 24, leads his country for the fourth time, with Burley perhaps keen to see evidence of the fortifying properties an armband can provide for its owner. The Manchester United midfielder has not distinguished himself for the national team in recent matches, with Terry Butcher, the Scotland assistant manager,... [read full story]