Darren Fletcher may make a surprise return from a fractured leg
in Scotland's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Georgia on
Wednesday after being called into the national squad.
The 23-year-old midfielder hasnt played since fracturing his leg
in Scotlands monumental 1-0 win over France last month, but his
return in whatever capacity would be a major boost for Scots
boss Alex McLeish after the withdrawal of injury victims Scott
Brown and Alan Hutton.
McLeish told Sky Sports News: "Sir Alex says Darren will play next
weekend for Manchester United, therefore he can play for Scotland.
It's fantastic news. Whether we start him, we'll have to wait and
see, but he's got a big chance of playing."
The Scots are tantalisingly close to qualification for next
summer's finals, and McLeish is well aware of the need for strong
characters in what is a tricky away tie. "Darren is a big player,"
he said. "He's a United player and they exude an aura. To be fair,
though, the squad already has that aura because of the results and
performances we've had recently."
Elsewhere on the international stage, Patrice Evra played the full
90 minutes as France won 6-0 against Faroe Islands. He'll be hoping
for another chance to impress against Lithuania on Wednesday.
Cristiano Ronaldo was on form again for Portugal, who beat
Azerbaijan away 2-0. The home side had captain Aslan Kerimov sent
off for an elbow on Uniteds wing wizard, but the 22-year-old
dusted himself down and continued to terrorise the home sides
defence. Reds team-mate Nani came on as a second-half
substitute.
Portugal face another away match on Wednesday against Kazakhstan.
Luiz Felipe Scolaris men are now four points behind Group A
leaders Poland (who don't play on Wednesday) with a game in hand.
Serbia, however, struggled without Nemanja Vidic as they drew 0-0
with Armenia. Portugal and Finland are now both three points ahead
of the Serbs in Group A.
There was good news for Wayne Rooney. The Reds front man grabbed
his first England goal in 11 months in a routine 3-0 victory over
Estonia at Wembley. Rio Ferdinand was substituted at half-time
during the win as he is one booking away from suspension.
Steve McClarens side now face a pivotal trip to Russia on
Wednesday three points behind Group E leaders Croatia, who England
play in the final qualifying match in November.