Scotland forward Steven Fletcher feels lucky to still be earning international caps after an 18-month exile from the national team.
Fletcher in-famously indicated his desire not to be included in Scotland’s squad for a game against Northern Ireland in 2011 via text message to then manager Craig Levein, who did not consider the Sunderland attacker for selection until near the end of his tenure in charge in October 2012.
Having started the last two Euro 2016 qualifiers under Gordon Strachan, Sunderland attacker Fletcher could once again lead the line in Scotland’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Republic of Ireland at Parkhead on Friday.
The 27-year-old is relishing his second opportunity to play for his country, having previously feared his Scotland career was over.
Fletcher said: “There was a time I thought I wouldn’t get another cap. But it’s good to be back, I’m glad to be playing again. When I was sitting back watching Scotland on the television, I wanted to be there, but I was thinking things were never going to get sorted.
“We managed to sort it, fortunately, and I’m past that now, back playing and enjoying it.
“It was a difficult time. I think it would be difficult for any player. It was hard to watch the team whatever was happening. When things weren’t going well, I wanted to be there helping. When they were going well, I wanted to be part of it.”
Despite only featuring in Levein’s final two matches in charge after his return to the side, Fletcher feels a stronger character for having resolved his differences with the former Dundee United and Hearts manager.
Fletcher added: “It was hard. But it’s a learning curve, I’ve learned from that, and it has made me a different person.
“I just let people talk. I just sat back and tried to do my talking on the pitch, which I’ve kind of done, to a point where I got back into the squad.
“Things did drag on for a long time and I got to a stage where I thought it was never going to happen, and I needed to move on.
“When I did get the call from Craig Levein, I was delighted.
“We both spoke honestly, it was fine and there was no atmosphere. He asked did I want to come back and I said yes. That was it and it was easy to fit back into the squad.”
Fletcher has not scored for Scotland for more than five years, with his solitary goal coming against Iceland at Hampden Park in April 2009.
The former Hibernian, Burnley and Wolves forward is not concerned by his lack of goals, and feels he can play his part by assisting his team-mates.
Fletcher said: “I remember the goal, a header. I’ve been in and out of the team so I need a run. I’ve had two games now where I’ve played and I’ve put in good performances. If I can keep putting them in, I’ll be happy.
“I like to try to create chances as well as scoring them. If I’m not scoring, but creating them, then I’ll be happy.”