• Premier League

Fletcher comeback completed with Scotland recall

ESPN staff
February 19, 2014
Darren Fletcher made his return from a year out with illness in December © PA Photos
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Darren Fletcher's comeback has been capped as the Manchester United midfielder has been recalled to the Scotland squad for the first time since 2012.

Fletcher, who captains his country, has made nine appearances since returning to the United squad as a substitute at Aston Villa in December.

Fletcher had feared that the debilitating bowel condition ulcerative colitis, which he said kept him housebound, could end his career.

Instead, after corrective surgery, he is back in the fold for his club and his country, who face Poland in Warsaw next month.

Fletcher, who has won 61 caps, last played for Scotland in a 2-1 win over Luxembourg in November 2012 but had his career disrupted by the condition for much of the time between March 2011 and December 2013.

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan said in December: "He's a top player. He moves people round about him. As he plays he organises and not every player can do that."

Strachan also recalled the former United full-back Phil Bardsley and chose the uncapped Dundee United defender Andrew Robertson in a 24-man party.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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