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Scotland’s long wait to return to the World Cup has come with some unexpected storylines, and the emergence of teenage midfielder Tyler Fletcher is one of the most compelling.
The 19-year-old Manchester United player, son of Scotland great Darren Fletcher, joined Steve Clarke’s squad after Billy Gilmour was ruled out through injury.
Tyler had made only two Premier League appearances for Manchester United before receiving the call to travel to America with the national squad.
Former Scotland midfielder Gavin Rae says he is far from surprised by the development, having known the Fletcher family for many years through both friendship and football.
Rae’s son Jacob is close friends with Tyler, and the two families share a connection rooted in the North-west of England and their time together as Scotland internationals.
Rae said: “It’s crazy, yeah. My son actually knows Tyler really well through family connections.”
He added: “It’s just crazy how it came about in terms of being in the right place at the right time and getting that opportunity.”
Rae was quick to dismiss any suggestion that Tyler might be out of his depth, pointing to his environment at Old Trafford as evidence of his readiness.
“He’s obviously around that sort of calibre of player all the time, so I think he’ll do well if he gets an opportunity,” Rae said.
Tyler comes from strong international pedigree, with his father having earned 80 caps and scored five goals for Scotland across a distinguished career.
Rae was actually present for Darren Fletcher’s international debut, with both players coming off the bench in a 0-0 draw with Norway before later featuring together in a memorable victory.
Rae recalled: “I think my own one, personally, was actually starting and winning at Hampden. It was 1-0 against Lithuania.”
He added warmly: “I think it was Fletcher’s debut. He came on and scored. That was a long time ago.”
Rae himself won 14 caps across eight years with Scotland between 2001 and 2009 but was part of a generation that never managed to reach a major tournament.
He acknowledged: “It was disappointing that we never managed to qualify, but I am delighted this current team has.”
Scotland face Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil in their World Cup group, and Rae believes the opening match against Haiti carries enormous significance for the campaign.
He warned: “It’s not going to be easy, but I think it’s a crucial game in terms of how we set up ourselves for the World Cup.”
Rae added: “Haiti won’t be easy either, but I think that’s the one we really need to try and get some points from.”
Beyond commentary, Rae will be watching from the stands himself, travelling with his family to the East Coast of America where his sister-in-law is based.
He confirmed: “We’re going on Friday, taking the family. I’ve got tickets for the first game. I’ve not got tickets for any other games just yet. So I’m looking forward to it.”
Scotland’s last World Cup appearance came in 1998, a wait Rae described with genuine emotion as he reflected on what this tournament means to the country.
He said: “I remember watching the opening 98 game at the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen as a kid just thinking, oh, it’s like normal. We never got back till now, which is just bananas.”
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