Fletcher plays through pain

Darren Fletcher insists he will continue to play through the pain barrier for Scotland, even if that means landing himself in trouble with Alex Ferguson.

Fletcher, 21, was rated doubtful for yesterday's 2-0 win over Moldova - a result which keeps their slim hopes of qualifying for the World Cup alive - but was able to play the full match despite aggravating his hamstring.

It is not the first time the Manchester United midfielder has gritted his teeth and put injury to the back of his mind to play for the national team.

Fletcher revealed he chipped a bone in his ankle during the friendly win over Trinidad and Tobago at Easter Road in May 2004 and he admits his form last season suffered as a result.

He knows United boss Ferguson wants him back at Old Trafford in tip-top condition but Fletcher has already told Scotland boss Walter Smith he will play against Belarus on Wednesday night if called upon.

He said: "`Don't get injured' was the main message from Sir Alex because my season really suffered the last time.

"I've been in the same situation before and it ruined the start of this season for me. It's all part and parcel of international football.

"I chipped the bone in my ankle in the game against Trinidad & Tobago and missed all the pre-season for this season and because of that my form suffered.

"But I think especially if it's a competitive game and you're available and even only 70% then you've still got to play."

Christian Dailly and James McFadden grabbed the goals that mattered at Hampden Park but a more difficult task lies ahead in Belarus and Fletcher is determined to play a part despite admitting he struggled against Moldova.

He said: "I aggravated it a little bit when I stretched for the ball at the start of the second half and it got worse and worse as the game went on but luckily it wasn't too bad and I was able to play until the end.

"All I was worried about was getting the three points and lasting the 90 minutes. I didn't think I would have managed the whole game but I did.

"It depends how stiff it is on Sunday but the way it feels, I don't think it will be too bad and I'll be able to battle through Wednesday. Then I can have a few weeks off in the summer.

"I didn't think I would be able to take any part to be honest but the rest did it the world of good."

Another player who was relieved to stay on the park was Lee McCulloch - but for very different reasons.

The Wigan midfielder made his home debut on Saturday and admits the nerves of the big occasion affected him for the first 45 minutes.

But Smith kept faith in him and he managed to pull himself together at half-time before setting up the opener for Dailly.

He said: "I think we started a little bit nervously, well I certainly started nervously. The ball was getting away from me a little bit and I wasn't happy with my first-half performance.

"I might have been because it was my first time at Hampden and a lot of family were there but you can't let it affect you.

"I got myself together at half-time - I had a think to myself and hoped I wasn't about to get whipped off!

"Everyone told me to keep going, it wasn't as though they were saying that I was having a nightmare - but I thought so. I wasn't playing as well as I could do.

"I enjoyed the second half. I was just happy to contribute to one of the goals and was delighted to make my first start in front of so many brilliant fans."