Fletcher calls on Scotland fans to forgive Boyd

Scotland skipper Darren Fletcher has urged the Tartan Army to back Kris Boyd when the Rangers striker returns to the international fold at Hampden on Wednesday night.

Boyd is expected to feature against the Czech Republic in what will be his first appearance since turning his back on his country during the reign of former manager George Burley.

He was persuaded back into the fold by new boss Craig Levein and Manchester United midfielder Fletcher hopes the Scottish fans can forgive and forget.

“We have got Boydy back in the squad and he is a big character,” Fletcher said. “Lee McCulloch is also back and we?re glad as we all knew that they were good guys.

“Boydy can handle the pressure. He will be desperate to come back into the side and I?m sure he will do well.

“I know Kris has learned from what happened and he’ll know maybe he should have dealt with the situation differently. Maybe that can act as a lesson to other younger players.

“I think he deserves a second chance as he is a top player. Any booing would be detrimental to the team. If they are booing one of us, they are booing all of us. We are all on the pitch together and I would ask everyone to get behind us as we need to all be pulling in the same direction.”

Boyd and McCulloch quit international duty under Burley, while their Rangers team-mates Allan McGregor and Barry Ferguson were also thrown out in disgrace.

Many questioned the unity and team spirit under the previous manager but Fletcher is sure they can become a tight-knit group once again.

He said: “It’s a new start, what?s gone is in the past and we have to learn from mistakes. We have to take it forward and try and qualify for a major competition.

“The manager is excited about it and he?s desperate to take us forward. We are together and everyone is looking forward to taking on a good Czech side.”

Fletcher joined up with his international team-mates fresh from League Cup success after his United side beat Aston Villa at Wembley on Sunday.

He has been in stunning form this season and is now a key member of Sir Alex Ferguson?s team.

That has made him, by a considerable distance, the highest-profile member of Levein?s squad but he insists that expectation won’t faze him.

He added: “I’ve played a number of games and I’m maturing as a player. I’m playing alongside some great players as well.

“I’m just a small cog in that Manchester United machine. It’s nice when people give you credit but you have to be wary of buying into all that as that’s when your form could dip.

“It’s totally different playing for Manchester United and Scotland. I don’t feel extra pressure playing for Scotland. No-one will put more pressure on me than myself.

“If people expect things from me then good. It?s not a problem. I’ll try and do what comes naturally. It?s not about me showcasing Darren Fletcher. I’m just part of a Scotland team.”