Darren Fletcher is a born leader, says Scotland mate James Morrison

JAMES MORRISON has hailed Darren Fletcher as a born captain.

James Morrison has hailed Darren Fletcher as a born captainGETTY

James Morrison has hailed Darren Fletcher as a born captain

Scotland star Fletcher ended his 20-year association with Manchester United when he joined West Brom on transfer deadline day.

Fletcher was instantly handed the skipper’s armband by manager Tony Pulis and Morrison insists it’s a mark of his fellow midfielder that there were no grumbles from West Brom’s players over the decision.

Morrison, now a team-mate at club and country, and the rest of the Baggies squad knew they had recruited a natural leader.

The 28-year-old said: “Darren has loads of caps and experience and has played at the highest level. He is a real gent and has the respect of everyone in the squad.

“He leads by example and does everything right.  It was up to the manager to change the captaincy and we got on with it.

“Darren has been great since he arrived and has settled in fantastically well.

“He hasn’t really changed things. He has just been himself. He leads the lads out, shouts orders and gets us up for games.

“On the pitch, he brings so much experience and energy. Obviously, the players we have in the West Brom midfield are all experienced but Darren’s presence rubs off on the other lads.”

Morrison has praised Fletcher's experiencePH

Morrison has praised Fletcher's experience

Fletcher has recovered from chronic bowel disease ulcerative colitis and Morrison is in no doubt he will get back to his best.

The 31-year-old’s move to West Brom will benefit Scotland as he will now get regular football after making just five starts for Manchester United this season.

Morrison added: “I know what type of character he is, so I have no doubts about that. Just give him a few more games under his belt and he’ll be back to his best.

He is a real gent and has the respect of everyone in the squad

James Morrison

“I’ve been in Darren’s shoes when I have had a long lay-off, and it is games you need to get you back to where you were.

“The more games Darren plays, the more his level will rise, as will his fitness and confidence. A fit Darren is a really good player.”

Morrison was bending Fletcher’s ear when he heard of a chance he could move to The Hawthorns.

He said: “I’ve known Darren for a long time and I was on the phone to him, trying to get him here.”

The two players will be together on international duty next month as Scotland face Northern Ireland in a friendly and then have a vital qualifier against Gibraltar.

Scotland have struggled against minnows in the past but Morrison, who was helping promote national team sponsor Vauxhall, is convinced they won’t slip up against Gibraltar as they bid to reach Euro 2016.

He said: “If we’re professional and do what we’ve been doing I have no qualms.

“But if we don’t do it properly that’s when we’ll have our problems. Under Gordon Strachan, we’ve been really switched on and professional.”

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