Gavin Rae is not surprised that Tyler Fletcher has taken the step up into the Scotland World Cup squad in his stride. The 19-year-old, son of former Scotland captain Darren Fletcher, had been training with Steve Clarke’s squad ahead of the finals and received the call-up after Billy Gilmour missed out due to injury.
A Rising Star
Fletcher has made only two English Premier League appearances for Manchester United, but he is now in the United States with the team preparing for their opening match against Haiti. Rae’s son, Jacob, is close friends with Tyler, and Gavin knows the Fletcher family well, having been a former Scotland teammate of Darren and living in the North-west of England.
Rae said: “It’s crazy, yeah. My son actually knows Tyler really well through family connections. The boys are quite close, so we’re just delighted for him. It’s just crazy how it came about in terms of being in the right place at the right time and getting that opportunity. He’s obviously a really good player. He’s playing at a top club and getting minutes now, so it’s not like he’s out of his depth. He’s around that sort of calibre of player all the time, so I think he’ll do well if he gets an opportunity.”
Following in His Father's Footsteps
Tyler Fletcher comes from good stock. His father Darren won 80 caps and scored five goals for Scotland. Rae was there when Darren made his debut, coming off the bench in a 0-0 draw with Norway. He also played alongside Darren when he scored his first Scotland goal against Lithuania, a match that remains a highlight for Rae.
Rae admitted: “I think my own one, personally, was actually starting and winning at Hampden. It was 1-0 against Lithuania. I think it was Fletcher’s debut. He came on and scored. That was a long time ago.”
Scotland's Lost Generation
The former Rangers and Dundee midfielder was part of Scotland’s lost generation. He won 14 caps in eight years between 2001 and 2009 but could not help the country qualify for a major finals. They reached play-offs for the Euros but could not get over the line. Rae is delighted that Steve Clarke’s men have changed that, qualifying for two Euros and a World Cup.
Rae acknowledged: “It was disappointing that we never managed to qualify, but I am delighted this current team has. We had some good teams but we just never got there. We got the play-offs a couple of times, but never got over the line. The European qualification is tough as well. It’s really tough, the countries you come up against and the seeding. We weren’t getting there and weren’t pushing on, the seeding kept coming down, which makes it harder. So it was difficult, but I’m just glad they managed to get it over the line.”
World Cup Challenge
Steve Clarke's Scotland face Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil in Group H. The first game against Haiti could be vital. The ex-Aberdeen player warned: “I think it’s going to be tough. Any international game is really tough, as it always is. It’s not going to be easy, but I think it’s a crucial game in terms of how we set up ourselves for the World Cup. Hopefully we’ll get a good result that game and that will kick us on. Obviously, Brazil is going to be tough, as Morocco will be. Haiti won’t be easy either, but I think that’s the one we really need to try and get some points from. Hopefully, we can do that.”
Rae Joins the Tartan Army
Rae will also be in the stands for the Haiti opener as part of the Tartan Army. He and his family are travelling to cheer the team on. He confirmed: “We’re going on Friday, taking the family. My sister-in-law lives in New York, so based on the East Coast, we’re just going to base ourselves there and go to the games. I’ve got tickets for the first game. I’ve not got tickets for any other games just yet. So I’m looking forward to it.”
It will be a different experience from when he watched Scotland’s last World Cup appearance as a fan back in 1998. He explained: “Fair play to what they’ve done in the last few tournaments and getting there. It’s class. I’m just delighted they’re back on the world stage of the World Cup because it’s too long. 1998 was the last one. I remember watching the opening 98 game at the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen as a kid just thinking, oh, it’s like normal. It’s going to be every four years, the World Cup. We never got back till now, which is just bananas.”
Rae was speaking as he played in the Craig Brown charity cup match in Aberdeen on Saturday. The Scottish Football Association has moved to close down a war of words with Norway. Get Daily Record Premium for just £1 per month in an exclusive offer to celebrate the World Cup.
