Steven Fletcher says he’s left his Scotland fued in the past

Steven Fletcher is convinced Scotland are going places under Gordon Strachan.

Steven Fletcher is out to make up for lost time in the remainder of Scotland’s Euro 2016 campaign.

Despite having commanded more than £20 million in transfer fees over his club career, the 27-year-old’s international record is distinctly underwhelming.

First capped by his country six years ago, he has made only 17 appearances and scored just a solitary goal against Iceland in a World Cup qualifier back in 2009.

But, having now put the wounding two-year stand-off with Craig Levein behind him, he is convinced better times lie ahead under Gordon Strachan’s charge.

“I’m over that now. I’ve forgotten about it. I’m back playing in the team so I’m happy,” said the Sunderland player.

“There’s no point in me dwelling on how many games I missed or goals I might have scored for Scotland. At the same time I definitely want to make the most of this opportunity I have now and the years I’ve got left to play.

“I want to get as many caps as possible and score as many goals as I can. Hopefully, I can make a major tournament as well. To reach the Euros would be massive.

“I managed to do that with the Under-19s, when we qualified for Spain back in 2006. It was a big part of my career at the time and to do it for the senior team would be brilliant.

“There are a few of us from that team in the full squad now Graham Dorrans, Mark Reynolds, Robert Snodgrass and I and it would be brilliant if we could go to France 2016 together.”

Fletcher is also confident he can avoid the recurring injury problems which sidelined him for the most of last season.

“This is probably the best I’ve felt for about two or three years. The way I felt the day I signed for Sunderland is the way I feel now,” he said.

Out for six months with an ankle problem, he returned in April to help the Black Cats in their battle against relegation, only to break down again.

“I came back too soon after the operation. We know that now,” he said.

“At the time Sunderland were in a fair bit of trouble so I had to try to get back and play for the team. I did that, but obviously I just didn’t help myself much as I was feeling it every day after games and after training.

“So it was one of those things where I was just kind of gritting my teeth and getting on with it. But I probably should have taken time out.

“Now I’ve had the summer off. I haven’t had that for a long time. So I was happy with that and I’ve come back and felt fine.

“I’m particularly delighted to be back playing up front for Scotland. I definitely missed these nights when I wasn’t involved. It would be stupid if I didn’t.

“The atmosphere at the Poland game was fantastic. It was a great game to play in. I want to play in these games. If I can make a difference as well that would be great.”