Fletcher joins Scotland squad

Scotland captain Darren Fletcher may make a surprise return from tonsillitis in Saturday’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Liechtenstein.

Fletcher had been expected to be fit in time for Tuesday’s away clash with Spain after suffering from tonsillitis, but the Manchester United man should be available to lead his country after flying out to meet the national squad at their training base in Switzerland.

“Darren will arrive today and I have not 100 per cent ruled him out of tomorrow,” manager Craig Levein told reporters.

“He feels better. He will do something on his own today.”

“I have to wait to see him and assess him. If the medical team gives him the thumbs up he will play, if not he is 100 per cent certain to be involved on Tuesday (against Spain).”

The news of Kenny Miller’s return to light training on Thursday has also come as a welcome boost to national boss Levein.

Miller sustained a groin injury last weekend for Cardiff City in their 2-1 defeat to Hull City, but is now expected to return to fitness and had been in line to captain the national side in the initially expected absence of Darren Fletcher.

“Kenny is doing a little bit of training this morning and will hopefully get through that and train with the rest of the boys later,” Levein said.

“But I won’t take any silly risks. If he is fit he is fit, if he is not then he will not play.”

“I am relaxed about it. I have spoken to Malky Mackay (Cardiff City manager) about it and we are both on the same page and I have said to him as well that I am not in the business of risking players who have injuries.”

“It doesn’t do me, Kenny or the club any good. But I am hopeful with Kenny because there has been a big improvement this week. I just want to be sure.”

“I will until tomorrow before naming the team in all likelihood because I just want to see if he has any reaction to what he does today.”

“Kenny is an important player for us and he knows he is an important player and I would like to have him available but we will see what the outcome is today.”

Despite Levein’s initial reluctance to risk the fitness of Miller, the 31-year-old left Glasgow Airport with the squad on Thursday as they flew to their Swiss training base.