George Burley insists Darren Fletcher will be a vital part of his Scotland team even though he cannot find a regular spot at Manchester United.Burley's first squad has been hit by the withdrawal of seven players ahead of his first match as national team boss against Croatia at Hampden Park.

However Fletcher, 24, shrugged off the virus which kept him out of Sir Alex Ferguson's plans for the 3-0 Premier League win over Liverpool on Sunday to travel up to Glasgow for the friendly.

"A big bonus for us was Darren Fletcher trained with us with no problems," Burley said. "He had a virus and had to go home before United's game at the weekend but he has had a good night's kip and trained so will certainly come into my plans.

"There's no doubt if he were in any other Premier League team he would be a a regular choice.

"Alex thinks the world of him but because of the competition at Manchester United he doesn't play every week.

"There are lots who would like to take him in the English Premier League and for me he's a top-class international.

"But he'll get his fair share of games (at United) and I think he's a terrific player.

"He's got great energy, he's enthusiastic and tenacious. He gets forward and will score you a goal.

"He has a good range of passing and I think that's why Alex wants to keep him badly. Darren has shown a clear example.

"When he first arrived he said to one of the coaching staff, 'Has the gaffer picked the team yet?'

"It shows his commitment and his passion to play for the country.

"I think that's shone through in the squad for the past few years."

Scotland have not won a friendly match at Hampden since 1996 but Burley will not let that statistic affect his long-term ambition of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The Scottish Football Association have arranged further friendlies against the Czech Republic and Northern Ireland but Burley insists everything is geared towards the first qualifier away to Macedonia in September.

"There are so few windows for games to prepare for major competitions they are very important," the former Hearts and Ipswich boss said.

"We've got three games - Croatia, the Czech Republic and Northern Ireland then we're straight into the World Cup qualifiers.

"The results are not life or death but the performances and building a squad ready for that Macedonia match are very important.

"People always judge you, but I'm going to be judged on whether or not we qualify for the World Cup.

"That's the way I look at it. I have to get a team unit that believes it's going to get the results to make us successful."

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