Fletcher praises maligned Vogts

Fletcher says that Berti Vogts tenure has not been in vain

Scotland international Darren Fletcher says that former national coach Berti Vogts deserves credit for the side's recent upturn in fortunes.

Under Walter Smith and now Alex McLeish, Scotland are in contention for an unlikely place at the Euro 2008 finals.

Manchester United midfielder Fletcher believes the blooding of youngsters under the German is bearing fruit.

"He took a chance with younger players and you can see the results," he said.

Scotland lie third in European Championship qualifying group B, behind World champions Italy and leaders France.

We've got to thank him because we are sitting with about 30 caps each Darren Fletcher

Lithuania visit Hampden next month before the Scots travel to Paris to take on the French four days later.

Vogts brought Fletcher into the international fold in 2004 and gave first caps to other current squad members.

"Walter got us off to a good start and the new manager has taken over, but a lot of credit goes to Berti," Fletcher added.

"Even through the hard times he brought in the younger players like James McFadden, Craig Gordon and myself.

"We've got to thank him because we are sitting with about 30 caps each.

"In previous years young players would never have got so many caps, so credit goes to Berti."

Fletcher was back in Scotland for Dunfermline defender Scott Thomson's testimonial on the day Gordon sealed a record-breaking £9m move from Hearts to Sunderland.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Can Berti be praised at all?

"I don't think the price tag will bother Craig, he had no control over that," he said.

"He's a talented goalkeeper. I've played a lot with him for Scotland and he's a calming influence.

"Sometimes you see keepers who are a bit erratic and they do say keepers should be a bit mad, but Craig is not one of them, he's calm and collected.

"Craig is definitely a top-class goalkeeper with potential to go on and if things pan out he might get a move to a bigger and better club in England."