Darren Fletcher "desperate" to qualify for 2018 World Cup

Darren Fletcher celebrates scoring during the FA Cup game between Reading and West Bromwich Albion on February 20, 2016
© Getty Images
Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher admits that he is "desperate" to help his side qualify for the World Cup in 2018.

Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher has said that he is "desperate" to help his side reach the 2018 World Cup.

The 32-year-old has not featured at a major international tournament for his country yet, and will spend another summer watching on this year after his side finished fourth in their European Championship qualifying group.

Gordon Strachan's side have been drawn in a group alongside England, Slovakia, Slovenia, Lithuania and Malta in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, and Fletcher is confident that they can give themselves a good chance of reaching Russia.

"We know how difficult it's going to be, it's a tough group. But I think it's a group we shouldn't be scared of," he told reporters.

"If we perform to our level and improve that extra percentage then I think we could be in a really good position for qualifying. I really want to qualify for a major tournament and play there for my country.

"It's one of those things you dream about, it's one of those things that's on the list that's not been ticked yet. I'm desperate to cross it off."

Fletcher is expected to be part of the Scotland team that takes on Czech Republic in a friendly in Prague on Thursday night.

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan reacts during the UEFA EURO 2016 qualifier between Scotland and Poland at Hampden Park on October 08, 2015 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Read Next:
Strachan talks up Scotland teamwork
>
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leicester CityLeicester362211364343077
2Tottenham HotspurSpurs351912465263969
3Arsenal361910759342567
4Manchester CityMan City361971068383064
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd35179943311260
6West Ham UnitedWest Ham351514660431759
7Southampton361691153391457
8Liverpool3515101059481155
9Stoke CityStoke36139143852-1448
10Chelsea341211115346747
11Everton351014115549644
12Watford35128153642-644
13Swansea CitySwansea361110153750-1343
14West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom361011153246-1441
15Bournemouth36118174363-2041
16Crystal Palace36109173646-1039
17Newcastle UnitedNewcastle3689193964-2533
18Sunderland35711174058-1832
19Norwich CityNorwich3587203561-2631
RAston Villa3637262772-4516