Fletcher fully focused for victory
September 06, 2010 13:47:19 UK
Darren Fletcher believes anything other than victory against minnows Liechtenstein tomorrow night would be "disastrous" for Scotland's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.
The Manchester United midfielder is set to enter Scotland's hall of fame tomorrow night as he collects his 50th cap at Hampden Park, but is fully focused on the game rather than personal milestones.
Scotland have not qualified for a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup in France and victory over Liechtenstein tomorrow would see them with four points from two games following last Friday's goalless draw in Lithuania as Craig Levein's men target a place at the European Championship in Ukraine and Poland.
Scotland can be backed at 1.083 to win the match, with the draw at 9.50 and Liechtenstein 26.00.
With world champions Spain and Czech Republic also in Euro 2012 qualifying Group I, Fletcher is aware failure to defeat Liechtenstein tomorrow would be "disastrous".
"With respect for qualifying for Euros, then there can be no slip-ups," said the Scotland captain.
"If we can get three points (against Liechtenstein) and then four points from the two games, then it's a satisfactory start and it's not too bad a position from then on.
"We've got games coming up against Czech Republic and Spain, so that's why it's imperative against Liechtenstein to get three points.
"Anything other than that is disastrous towards qualifying."
Fletcher made his debut in August 2003 away to Norway, but is yet to taste competitive action at a major tournament.
He is determined to change that statistic.
"I've been very fortunate to build up this many caps so far and hopefully I can get many more caps and with those caps at a major championships," added the 26-year-old.
"I think that's the biggest thing when you represent your country - first and foremost is qualifying for a tournament.
"That's what all my focus is on and not selfish reasons trying to build up caps.
"My focus coming here is to play for my country, enjoy representing my country and try and qualify for a major tournament.
"Hopefully with the three points and a nice win I can look back and enjoy the fact that I've gained 50 caps for my country and be very proud of that."
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