Darren Barr Fletcher is a Scottish footballer who plays as a central midfielder for English Premier League club Manchester United. He is the current captain of Scottish national team. The industrious footballer has also played as a right winger or as an emergency defender. Fletcher came through the ranks of Manchester United’s Youth Academy and has won four Premier Leagues, one FA Cup, two League Cups, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Fletcher was included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for 2009-10. Fletcher made his Scotland debut in 2003 and scored his first international goal on his second appearance. After Barry Ferguson was banned from international football because of a breach of regulations, Fletcher was given the captain’s armband in August 2009. Fletcher has won a total of 58 caps and scored five goals for Scotland. In December 2011, he began an extended break from football due to continuing health problems caused by ulcerative colitis. He made his return on 19 September 2012. Fletcher has established himself as a regular choice for Scotland and scored his first goal in a 1-0 win over Lithuania, having come off the bench for only his second cap. His goal took Scotland to the play-offs for Euro 2004 On 26 May 2004, he captained Scotland to a 1-0 friendly win against Estonia in Tallinn. This made him the youngest Scotland captain since John Lambie of Queen’s Park led the side that beat Ireland 7-2 on 20 March 1886. Lambie was aged just 17 years and 92 days. Fletcher’s improvement for his national side was capped by a 25 metre strike in an October 2005 World Cup qualifier against Slovenia. Fletcher was Scotland’s vice-captain under Alex McLeish, deputising in the absence of regular captain Barry Ferguson. Fletcher was named as full time captain in November 2009 when Ferguson was banned from international football for misbehaviour. ® less