West Brom's Darren Fletcher willing to risk injury for Scotland
Albion and Scotland skipper Darren Fletcher is willing to take a risk on his thigh injury in order to lead his country out against Slovakia tonight in their crucial World Cup qualifier.
The 32-year-old was forced off with a dead leg at half-time of Scotland's disappointing draw with Lithuania on Saturday.
He faces a late fitness test ahead of tonight's game in Slovakia, but he's desperate to play for Gordon Strachan's team.
"It's still a bit sore but it's progressed quite well,'' said Fletcher. "I'm not going to train because I don't want it to bleed again.
"I'm hoping that I wake up and it's improved again and I'll go for a fitness test. Fingers crossed that I'm available for selection.
"Of course I'd risk it, but that's down to the manager as well if I'm able to play. I'm desperate to play."
Albion host Tottenham at The Hawthorns this Saturday, but Fletcher – who was recently reinstated as Scotland captain – doesn't want to protect his fitness for that game.
"I've nothing to save myself for," he said. "Club games are important but representing your country is equally important.
"I don't look to protect myself, if I'm available to play and the manager selects me then I'll be out there doing my best.''
Whether Fletcher gets on the pitch or not will be down to a late fitness test, and Strachan is planning for every eventuality.
The Scotland manager said: "It would be bad news if he wasn't going to have a fitness test but good news that he is going to have one.
"I actually thought it was a thigh strain at half-time, it was actually a knock.
"We will prepare a team with Darren in it and a team without Darren and put the final touches tomorrow.''