Team captain Darren Fletcher has urged Scotland fans to get behind striker Kris Boyd if he plays against Czech Republic at Hampden on Wednesday.
"He's a top player and we want him in the squad," said Fletcher of Boyd, who upset some fans by refusing to play for previous Scotland boss George Burley.
"If they are booing one of us, they are booing us all," insisted Fletcher.
"I'd advise everyone to get behind Boydy and Scotland because we should all be pulling in one direction."
The Rangers centre-forward, who has scored seven goals in 15 internationals, said in October 2008 that he no longer wanted to be selected by Burley, after being overlooked on several occasions.
He was criticised by many Tartan Army supporters who felt that, having turned his back on Scotland once, he should never be capped again.
But Fletcher said: "I know Boydy's learned from that and that he should have dealt with that in a different way."
Fletcher urges support for Boyd
And referring to the return to the squad of Boyd and his Rangers team-mate Lee McCulloch, who will miss the match through injury, the Manchester United midfielder added: "They are lively around the place and it gives everyone a lift.
"It's good to have them back because we know deep down that they are good guys and we welcome them back.
"There is a good camaraderie when the lads come together.
"Boydy holds the ball up well, he's a good target man. Playing in midfield, he makes some great runs for you."
The Scottish Premier League record goalscorer is likely to feature in Craig Levein's first match in charge of the national team.
At Tuesday's media conference, Levein told reporters: "I would ask everyone who is watching the game to have one thing in mind; that these guys are playing for their country.
"Kris Boyd has had a really good season. He might play, he might not play, but he wants to be here and that is important."
Levein eager to win first match
Levein and assistant Peter Houston have a 24-man squad, though the duo have yet to decide how many of that number will feature in the friendly.
"That will be dictated by the fitness of the players and the scoreline," said Levein.
"I would love to win the game. I know it's not a competitive match but for everyone's sake it would be good to put on a performance and win.
"You have to gain some momentum and put on some decent performances.
"First and foremost, I want to build a team that is capable of winning. The expansive football comes when the players are confident and know each other and trust the system they are playing."
Fletcher is one such player who can help create a more ambitious style of football but, like his manager, the Carling Cup winner is focusing simply on improving the team's standing after a disappointing spell under Burley.
"What's gone in the past we've got to learn from. We've got to take it forward to achieve what everyone wants and that is to qualify for a major competition for Scotland," said Fletcher.
"We've got a new manager, a new start after a disappointing last campaign. This is a friendly match under the new manager and we'll try to get across what he expects from us."
 |
MY SPORT: DEBATE
|
Having enjoyed a fine season at Old Trafford, the captain responded to suggestions that, because he plays for such a high-profile club team, there is more pressure on him to perform well with Scotland.
"It's totally different playing for Manchester United and playing for Scotland," he explained.
"No-one puts more pressure on me than I do myself. It's not a hindrance or a burden or anything like that.
"I'll try to do the fans proud as the rest of the players will be. I'll be doing my job for the team."
Levein, describing Fletcher as "a great model", insists the Czech Republic match is one Scotland can win and that the squad get-together will benefit the team in the longer term.
"This will be about everybody. We are doing our utmost to foster some team spirit and grit and determination in the squad," said Levein.
"I'm not going to sit here and say that we are going to become a top 10 team in the world.
"We haven't won a friendly at Hampden since 1996 so we have a lot of hard work to do.
"But I wouldn't have taken the job if I didn't think we had a decent chance of qualifying for the European Championship."
buy drugs online without prescription | buy kamagra online | cialis super active
No comments:
Post a Comment