Fergie hails unsung Fletcher

Sir Alex Ferguson has praised his Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher as "a terrific example to any young player." The 24-year-old may not have the high profile of team-mates such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez, but his United manager has held him up as an example of "a true professional". Fletcher has been in and out of the side this season, such is the vast array of talent at Old Trafford. But he marked his return to action against Lyon on Tuesday with a sound, workmanlike performance in the engine room as United clinched a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. "Darren's shown he's a true professional," said Ferguson. "When you give people good contracts you hope they will become like that. He is a terrific example of a professional to any young player. I keep talking about Bobby Charlton's book, and his frustration when he was not in the team at 19 and had to be patient. Darren Fletcher epitomises that patience and now he's back in the squad and everyone recognises his abilities. It's a great credit to the lad."
Ken Gaunt, The Independent