Wilder – Fleck Deserves International Call

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder feels John Fleck fully deserves his place in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad. Midfielder Fleck has been called into the senior international fold on the back of some impressive performances for Sheffield United in the Premier League this season.

It is not the first time the 28-year-old has been included in a Scotland squad, as he was previously selected in November 2018, while he had to turn down a call up during the summer, as it clashed with his wedding.

Indeed, Fleck, who has previously represented Scotland at under-21 level, is yet to make a senior appearance for his country and could make his debut in this month’s Euro 2020 qualifiers against Russia and San Marino.

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Wilder believes Fleck deserves his chance on the international stage and he believes the former Rangers youngster will certainly look to seize his opportunity with both hands. “From my opinion he thoroughly deserves his call-up,” Wilder told reporters.

“He’s been outstanding… every level that he has played at he has embraced and moved forward. “It’s a great reward for him and hopefully he can go and do himself justice when he goes up the road.”

Fleck struggled with a hamstring injury earlier in the season, but he has started the Blades last three Premier League games and is in line to feature once again when they travel to Vicarage Road to take on Watford on Saturday.

Billy Sharp is also expected to return in that game after serving a three-match ban for his sending off against Southampton last month and Wilder says his captain is chomping at the bit to return. “He’s worked hard, he’s played in a “bounce” game and he’ll be raring to go. He’ll be involved at the weekend,” the former Northampton boss added.

Sheff United currently sit 12th in the standings, but they have lost three of their last four games across all competitions, while they are also without a win against Watford since 2009.