Scotland legend Paul Dickov has hit back at critics of Tyler Fletcher, insisting the teenage Manchester United midfielder will prove himself on the World Cup stage.
The 19-year-old earned his place on the plane to America after Billy Gilmour was ruled out through injury, with Steve Clarke handing Fletcher the call-up.
Fletcher made his international debut as a half-time substitute at Hampden during Scotland’s win over Curacao, having played more minutes for his country than his club this season.
Dickov draws on vivid personal memories, having been part of the Scotland setup when Craig Brown similarly took a chance on a young, unknown Darren Fletcher from the Manchester United youth ranks.
Darren Fletcher would go on to earn 80 international caps and win the Premier League multiple times with the Red Devils, justifying every bit of that early faith.
Speaking via Gamble Mind, Dickov said: “It’s a fantastic experience for him. I know people might look at the number of minutes he’s had at Manchester United. But there’s no doubt he’s a top-quality midfielder.”
Dickov recalled the moment Darren first entered the Scotland squad, saying: “I remember a very young baby-faced Darren Fletcher coming into the Scotland squad I was in when nobody had heard of him.”
He added: “He wasn’t in Manchester United’s first team; Craig Brown brought him into the fold, and we could tell very quickly that he was a top player. Tyler’s not got very far to look for advice.”
Dickov continued: “To be in a Premier League squad week in week out, it shows you the quality that he’s got to have, especially to be in a squad with all the Manchester United players in there.”
The former Leicester and Manchester City striker also insisted that Lawrence Shankland will be absolutely central to any progress Scotland makes at the tournament.
The Rangers summer recruit has netted three goals across two World Cup warm-up games heading into the opener against Haiti, building on his impressive form for Hearts.
Dickov said: “If Scotland is going to do well, Lawrence is going to be a major part of it. It’s not just his goal-scoring exploits and taking chances; he’s a leader as well.”
Dickov highlighted the physical and tactical demands Shankland will face against stronger opponents, saying: “In the Morocco and Brazil games, we’re not going to have a lot of the ball.”
He explained: “It’s imperative they keep hold of the ball to take a bit of pressure off the back four, and let the team get up the pitch. We’re going to be camped in our own half a lot of the time.”
Dickov acknowledged the challenge will be unlike anything Shankland has faced before, given his experiences at Hearts and the contrasting demands that come with playing for Rangers.
He said: “Whether it be Lawrence or Che Adams, more likely Lawrence, the onus on them to hold the ball is going to be bigger than ever. Bigger than he’s ever known.”
Dickov concluded: “He’s going to have to make sure that when he gets his chances in that box, he’s ready. It’ll be a different challenge for him.”
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