Pic: © SNS Group
Darren Fletcher has said that David Weir is a “role model” and says people are over-reacting to the 40-year old’s inclusion in the Scotland squad to face Lithuania. Weir is set to start in the crucial Euro 2012 qualifier on Friday night and Fletcher says he is more than capable of helping Scotland to a win.
The Manchester United star will face Weir when his side come up against Rangers in the Champions League later this month. For now, the pair are team-mates and Fletcher was quick to sing the veteran’s praises.
"David is a role model to everyone in the squad, a real gentleman," he said. "There is no better role model with the way he has lived his life, how he has prolonged his career.
"He was player of the year last year in Scotland and it's a credit to him the way his appetite for the game is still there. He is desperate to represent his country even at his age. I think age is just a number, people get carried away once you get over a certain age, that you are not capable of playing at this level.
"Maybe he is not as fast as he used to be, he has maybe lost a yard of pace in his legs but he has gained two yards in his head because his experience tells him where to be at the right time.
Davie knows he is capable of playing at this level, we all know he's capable of playing at this level and he's a great experienced leader to have in the squad."
Fletcher looked ahead to the crucial qualifier and said that referee Cuneyt Cakir would also have a role to play. Lithuanian midfielder Saulius Mikoliunas was banned for two matches after diving to win a penalty the last time the sides met and Fletcher admitted he was worried about a repeat.
"I think you're aware of [diving] in most games, especially in international football," he added. "It's a little bit of a different culture to what we expect or are used to in the British game.
"All you can hope for is that the referee is strong and gets the major decisions right.
"Things in midfield aren't really a concern but it's the major decisions you hope the referee gets right and is strong on the night. That's all you can ask for as a player."
