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Villa's Bannan, Blackburn's Goodwillie good for Scotland's future - Man Utd's Fletcher

Scotland captain Darren Fletcher has heaped praise on young guns Barry Bannan and David Goodwillie and says they are players who have certainly brightened the future of Scottish football.

The Aston Villa midfielder and Blackburn Rovers striker were impressive in the Euro2012 qualifying win over Lithuania on Tuesday night and Manchester United's Fletcher says they have breathed some new life into the team.

Fletcher reserved special praise for Bannan, who he feels will only get better and better as his attitude is so positive.

"Barry's just a cheeky chappie," Fletcher said.

"It doesn't matter if he's new to the squad, he'll have a fly comment at you and Goodie will be laughing.

"They are great lads to have around because they make everybody feel young and we are always laughing at them.

"People will now expect more from Barry, but he plays in a carefree fashion and that helps him on the pitch.

"He just wants the ball. He loves playing football and wants to get on the ball and make things happen. He is small, but his first touch is so good he puts himself in a position where he is not fighting with defenders.

"Both his movement and awareness are so good he is not in any battles.

"He picks up great positions, plays great passes and makes things happen.

"Even when he tries that killer pass and it doesn't come off, his head doesn't go down.

"We tell him to keep trying it because he'll ultimately get or create the winner for us - and that's what happened against Lithuania. The fans have already taken to him because he's a good player.

"Barry gives us something different in the team - that little bit of creativity.

"He's great around the squad and full of enthusiasm and cheekiness.

"That's the way he is on the pitch as well."

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Andrew Slevison
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