Fletcher urges youngsters to seize international opportunity

14 November 2012 08:47

Captain Darren Fletcher will urge the Scotland newcomers to seize their international chance ahead of Wednesday night's friendly in Luxembourg.

Caretaker manager Billy Stark has called up several players for the first time after nine call-offs from his original squad.

Hibernian striker Leigh Griffiths, Inverness midfielder Andrew Shinnie and Kilmarnock midfielder Liam Kelly all won first call-ups on Sunday.

St Johnstone midfielder Murray Davidson is also in line for his international debut.

Fletcher won his first cap aged 19 and captained his country aged 20 so he knows an encouraging word will go down well.

The Manchester United midfielder said: "Hopefully I'll have a few words with them before the game and just try to reassure them that they deserve to be here and it's a great opportunity for them to take a chance, don't be overawed by it and really try to embrace it and enjoy it, which will ultimately bring out the best performance in them.

"We are not wanting them to go out on the pitch fearful of anything, we want them to go out there full of confidence.

"They are Scottish internationals and (they should) really embrace that, express themselves and take their league form into the international scene."

Source: PA