West Brom skipper Darren Fletcher is fighting fit again

WEST BROM skipper Darren Fletcher has declared his illness issues are behind him and insists he feels fit enough to play twice in a day.

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The bowel disease colitis forced the Scotland midfielder to put his career on hold at various points between 2011 and 2013 while still at Manchester United.

Surplus to requirements at Old Trafford under Louis van Gaal, he was given the green light to join the Baggies on January deadline day.

But he has played every minute of every match he has been picked for since arriving at The Hawthorns, where he has been handed the captaincy.

Now Fletcher, who is set to lead the Baggies against United’s bitter rivals Manchester City tomorrow (Sat), believes he has proved the doubters wrong over his fitness.

“People wondered whether I could play three games in a week, but I can play as many games as you want in a week,” he said.

“Even after playing 90 minutes last weekend I felt I could go straight out and do it again.

“I feel strong, I’ve got all that fitness back, and the illness thing is well and truly behind me now.

“I always tap into the fact that I played for so long ill, that if I can do that, then I can play when I’m not ill.

“It’s as simple as that really. Maybe it’s a positive mindset but it’s also a fact and I feel fantastic.

Darren Fletcher says his illness issues are behind himACTION

Darren Fletcher says his illness issues are behind him

“I’m enjoying it and getting 90 minutes under my belt. With every match I just feel stronger.

“I’ve never had any doubts over my fitness. Since I’ve been back I’ve felt great, the first few matches you’re looking to get your match rhythm back but I really feel it’s there now.”

Fletcher insists steering the Baggies, who are eight points clear of the drop zone, is more important to him than dealing another blow to City’s title chances.

He added: “Maybe I’ll be singled out for a bit more criticism without the United lads around me. I don’t see it as denting their title hopes.

“I see it as getting West Brom safe, I have great respect for City and people around Manchester.

“There’s a rivalry with United, but my focus is on West Brom. We’ll go there to win, we know it’ll be difficult but we pride ourselves on keeping clean sheets.

“We work hard as a team so we’ll go to City and give it a go. Why not? We’ll go with a mentality to win.

“It’s a fantastic place to go and play against a top-class side with great players – that’s where you want to challenge yourself as an individual and as a team.”

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