Wolves manager urges Steven Fletcher to end Scotland exile

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has encouraged striker Steven Fletcher to return to the Scotland team.

Fletcher, aged 24, contacted the Scottish Football Association in February to say he no longer wished to be selected.

And national coach Craig Levein said the player had to make the first move if he wished to end his exile.

"Fletch wants to play for Scotland," said McCarthy. "I've spoken to him about it this week."

Former Hibernian and Burnley frontman Fletcher has been capped eight times and his only international goal was the winner in a 2-1 victory over Iceland in 2009.

"It makes you a better player, ultimately, playing at that level," said former Republic of Ireland defender and manager McCarthy.

"I went on to become a better player and played in a European Championships and a World Cup finals, and managed in one.

"Who says it won't happen to Scotland? If it's going to happen, you want to be part of it and he does so, it's up to all of them, whatever's happened in the past, to get on with it and sort it out."