Source: Daily_Mail
Fletcher hits back at Scottish FA for attack on team-mate Iwelumo
Shell-shocked: Iwelumo looks on as he shoots wide [LNB]Darren Fletcher has absolved Chris Iwelumo of any blame for Scotland's ailing World Cup qualifying campaign after the Wolves striker was thrust back into the spotlight.[LNB]The Manchester United midfielder was responding to comments made by Scottish FA president George Peat, who pointed to Iwelumo's infamous sitter against Norway last year as the reason why Scotland's World Cup qualifying hopes are now hanging in the balance.[LNB]Iwelumo may be recovering from injury and unavailable for selection for the crucial double-header against Macedonia and Holland but has unwittingly dominated the build-up to Saturday's clash at Hampden as a result of those remarks.[LNB] Scotland boss George Burley made a phone call to the player on Thursday night to assure him he was not being held responsible for what has been a disappointing campaign so far.[LNB] And skipper Fletcher was keen to offer his own support, insisting Iwelumo had the backing of the entire squad.[LNB]'We win and we lose as a team,' said the Manchester United midfielder. 'Every player makes mistakes - I've made hundreds of mistakes.[LNB] Give him a break: Darren Fletcher says Iwelumo's miss was 'just unfortunate'[LNB]'Chris would score that goal nine times out of 10 and it was just unfortunate. But we had more chances in that game to win the match and we've had chances in this group that we've not taken. I think Chris knows he's got the backing of the players.[LNB]'In the dressing room after the game he apologised but the lads were like "It's nothing to do with you big man, these things happen in football". It's just an unfortunate situation.'[LNB]Scotland have won just two games - both against Iceland - as they bid to booktheir place at South Africa next summer.[LNB] Burley will be axed if Scotland fail to seal second place Blow for Scotland as Wolves defender Christophe Berra is ruled out of World Cup qualifier with illness Brum striker Garry O'Connor replaces crocked Kevin Kyle in Scotland squad CLICK HERE to play MailOnline's new Fantasy Football game and win £50,000 [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People:George Burley, Darren Fletcher, George PeatPlaces:Scotland, The Netherlands, South Africa, Macedonia, Norway
