Fletcher shuns Scots call by text

Last updated : 02 February 2011 By BBC Sport

Wolves striker Steven Fletcher has rejected a Scotland call-up for next week's Carling Nations Cup clash with Northern Ireland in Dublin.Fletcher sent a text message to Frank Reilly, a Scottish Football Association official, stating that he did not want to be selected.

He added that national team coach Craig Levein could phone him if he wanted.

Levein was quoted as saying: "Steven Fletcher was selected, but he has since indicated that he did not wish to be."

Levein was ready to recall Fletcher after dropping him for November's friendly against Faroe Islands.

For the life of me I just can't understand anyone who doesn't want to be part of what is happening

Scotland manager Craig Levein

Fletcher was selected for October's Euro 2012 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Spain, but did not feature in either match.

The former Hearts and Dundee United manager had shrugged off critical comments made by Fletcher about the controversial 4-6-0 formation used by Scotland in the 1-0 defeat in Prague.

However, the player's international future now looks to be in serious doubt.

The Scotland manager was reluctant to discuss the situation in detail, preferring to focus on those who were willing and able to make their way to Dublin next week.

"What I have found since taking this job is that I want to work with people who want to play for Scotland," said Levein.

"I look at guys like Phil Bardsley, who has changed his nationality to play for Scotland and, after the Spain game, he was the proudest man in the world because his dad was in tears watching his son playing for Scotland.

"Jamie Mackie is another one: his grandfather is over the moon that he's being picked for Scotland and these guys want to run their heart out and do their best for Scotland and they made their families immensely proud.

"I just think back to the Czech Republic game when I asked the players to play in a certain way.

"They did everything I asked and, as a manager, if you have ideas, you want players who are willing to follow them.

"What I don't want is anyone in the squad who is not of that mind.

"For the life of me I just can't understand anyone who doesn't want to be part of what is happening."

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport