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This is Manchester to Albion's Darren Fletcher

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West Brom captain Darren Fletcher insists he feels fitter than ever as he prepares to run the gauntlet on his return to Manchester tomorrow.

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The midfielder says his illness problems are now behind him after he played every minute of Premier League football since signing for the Baggies on February 2.

And the Scotland international is raring to go ahead of tomorrow's trip to the Etihad Stadium.

He's set to face the wrath of Manchester City fans because of his long career at their arch-rivals United.

Fletcher, who waged a five-year battle with inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis, said: "I've never had any doubts over my fitness.

"Since I've been back I've felt great, the first few matches you're looking to get your match rhythm back but I really feel it's there now.

"With every game I feel stronger and I'm loving every minute. Even after playing 90 minutes last weekend I felt I could go straight out and play again.

"People wondered whether I could play three games in a week – I can play as many games as you want in a week.

"I feel strong and fit. I've got all that fitness back and the illness thing is well and truly behind me now.

"I'm enjoying it and getting 90 minutes under my belt and with every match I just feel stronger.

"I always tap into the fact that I played for so long ill, that if I can do that then I can play when I'm not ill. It's as simple as that really.

"Maybe it's a positive mindset but it's also a fact and I feel fantastic."

The Baggies head for City tomorrow on 33 points and within touching distance of Premier League safety.

But Fletcher insists there will be no let-up, especially with his United links likely to see him singled out by the home crowd.

He said: "I will just go with a mentality to win. Maybe I'll be singled out for a bit more criticism without the other United lads around me.

"But it's a fantastic place to go and play against a top class side with great players. That's where you want to challenge yourself as an individual and as a team."

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