Fletcher made 'hugely positive impression' in Scotland training
· Yahoo Sports
It is amazing how life works out sometimes.
The Fletcher family were due to go to the World Cup as fans this summer. It was a chance to clear the mind after a frustrating end to the season, in which dad Darren's Under-18 team lost two major cup finals, and twin sons Tyler and Jack were beaten in another.
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But, after just two senior substitute appearances totalling 17 minutes, 16 of which came on the final day of the Premier League season at Brighton, Tyler Fletcher has got the World Cup call from Scotland manager Steve Clarke.
The shock choice says everything about the professionalism, diligence and work ethic Fletcher has shown in training. That is what earned him a place on the bench for Saturday's pre-tournament friendly with Curacao, after he was called into Clarke's training camp last week.
Once there, Fletcher made a hugely positive impression on Scotland's coaches.
Then, when Billy Gilmour suffered a first-half injury, Fletcher was only held back as his immediate replacement through an element of caution.
His performance when he did come on at half-time was full of maturity, but this did not come as a surprise to any of Manchester United's youth coaches.
Those who know Fletcher say he is a confident and driven young man, but equally very low maintenance. "Polite and conscientious" is how he has been described.
Physically, United coaches feel in addition to his stamina and athletic prowess, which they still expect to grow, his all-round game has improved significantly.
They believe his ability on the ball, vision and understanding of the game means he will become more versatile as the years go on.
A week ago, the next stage for Fletcher was expected to be as one of the youngsters who will form the core of Michael Carrick's group on a pre-season trip to Helsinki and Rosenborg in July.
Those plans might have to be shelved though, because Fletcher may have even more pressing commitments in July.
"The best day of my life," was how Fletcher described his first-team debut back in February. That might have dropped down to number two in his rankings now.