Midfielder replaces Gilmour for World Cup squad
Manchester United midfielder has been called up to join Scotland’s World Cup squad ahead of their departure to the US.
The announcement came after Napoli’s Billy Gilmour was forced to pull out due to an injury he suffered in the recent warm-up game against Curacao. Fletcher had made his international in that game having been invited along to join as part of the training squad.
Scotland manager, Steve Clarke, spoke on his debut: “Everybody was impressed – the players were impressed, the coaching staff were impressed, I had no doubts.
“I actually thought about putting him on as Billy came off but I just thought I’d have a little look, see how the game panned out before introducing him at half-time.”
This season is the first one the 19-year-old had been part of the senior squad along with his twin brother Jack. He made his senior debut off the bench against Tottenham in February and also featured in the final day win over Brighton. He already has more minutes for Scotland than for us.
He has impressed the coaches at both United and for Scotland though. He might be lacking in minutes so far, but has been in the match-day squads in nearly half of the Premier League games this season. He was voted under-21 player of the season despite a campaign that ended with a frustrating Premier League 2 loss to Brighton. Equally comfortable as a six or an eight, he possesses a lot of the traits of his father, Darren. Hard-working, willing to take on advise, and composed on the ball.
The squad are due to fly out on the 6th of June before starting their campaign on the 13th against Haiti. It is Scotland’s first World Cup since 1998. We wish him all the very best.
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