Fletcher rues past failings as Scots’ dream ends

CAPTAIN Darren Fletcher admitted Scotland should have had a World Cup play-off spot wrapped up long before last night’s defeat to Holland ended any hope of reaching next summer’s finals.

George Burley’s men went down 1-0 in their final Group Nine qualifier after a late goal from substitute Eljero Elia.

Elia found the back of the net with eight minutes remaining when David Weir inadvertently nodded the ball into his path and he sent an angled drive into the back of the net despite the efforts of Hutton on the line.