DARREN FLETCHER believes a man of the match performance against Northern Ireland has shown he is back at his best after a long struggle with illness.
The 31-year-old has suffered from ulcerative colitis but was industrious and influential in the 1-0 victory at Hampden on Wednesday, saying: "It's been a long time since I felt this good playing for Scotland. You are probably going back four or five years."
Fletcher, who was captain on the night, still awaits Gordon Strachan's decision over whether he or Scott Brown of Celtic will wear the armband on Sunday against Gibraltar but he was certain of one aspect.
"I still think there is more to come," he said of his form. "I feel stronger with every 90 minutes and hopefully that continues."
The midfielder moved from Manchester United to West Bromwich Albion during the transfer window and has played regularly in Tony Pulis's side.
'I'm not missing a day's training. Once you get three or four 90 minutes in your legs, it makes a real difference. I felt like I could go again after playing against Northern Ireland," he said.
'That shows I'm getting all my strength back. It's been a while coming but I feel it's finally here. I always believed I'd be back playing at Hampden. I had to have that mindset but I truly believed it as well."
He is convinced that Scotland have the resources to qualify from Group D, insisting this is the most talented squad he has played in during his 12 years at international level.
"The manager wants people who can play, first and foremost," he said of the Strachan effect that has raised hopes of qualification for Euro 2016.
He added: "He expects you to be able to take the ball, manipulate and use it to be creative. He wants people who can take on their opponents. He wants everyone in the team to be comfortable in possession and he has a style he wants to play. He expects all the other stuff, work rate and so on, but he always reiterates the confidence of playing."
Scotland now face Gibraltar at Hampden on Sunday in Group D and Fletcher said: "'I would take 1-0. Winning the game is the most important thing. You saw against Northern Ireland that when you create chances but don't score it can become a long night. Fans get impatient, players get impatient.
''We have to take the game to Gibraltar and try to get that first goal as early as possible. The game becomes a little bit easier from there. But if it doesn't come we have to show the patience we did on Wednesday night."
The Republic of Ireland play Poland in Dublin later on Sunday and Fletcher said a draw in that match may be the best result for Scotland.
Scotland travel to Dublin in June and Fletcher said: "Hopefully, a win against Gibraltar sets us up nicely for the big one that will have a big impact on the rest of the group."
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