Steven Fletcher: My main aim is to be a Real big shot like Wesley

Aug 17 2008 By Gavin Berry

STEVEN FLETCHER soaked up the sun on holiday as he watched red-hot Holland light up the early stages of Euro 2008 with some dazzling football.

Yet rather than be intimidated by the prospect of taking on the awesome Dutch in World Cup qualifiers he'd LOVE to test himself against Bert van Marwijk's men.

That's a measure of the Hibs hitkid's desire to star on the international stage as he makes the step up after shining at Under-21 level.

As a player who can excite supporters himself, it's no surprise Real Madrid's Dutch superstar Wesley Sneijder was one of Fletcher's favourite players to watch during the summer Euro showpiece.

Now Fletch wants to prove he and the rest of George Burley's Scotland squad can live with the Group Nine favourites in the battle to reach South Africa in 2010.

And the Dutch masterclass at Euro 2008 has whetted his appetite for gatecrashing the next major finals in a dark blue shirt.

Fletcher said: "I was on holiday for most of Euro 2008 but caught a few of the games and they make you hungry to be part of something like that.

"We have a good chance to play in the next big tournament - the World Cupin South Africa.

"Holland are a great team who did well at the Euros and were one of the sides I admired most. I'm a big fan of Sneijder who had some superb games and they have lots of top young players such as Ryan Babel.

"Ruud van Nistelrooy is a brilliant striker but he's retired from international football now ... so we should be okay!

"Seriously, the Dutch have so much talent even without him. Butwe can't be scared and it would be great to test ourselves against them, both on a personal level and as a team.

"Apart from Holland it's a hard group but I want to be part of it. Ifwe do well and stick together the squad has a good chance of qualifying." Fletcher and co have to wait until next year for the glamour clash against Holland but have three equally important matches to take care of first.

The Scots kick off with a difficult double-header away to Macedonia and Iceland next month before Norway visit Hampden in October.

Fletch gets the chance to stake his claim for a role in the opening qualifiers when Scotland take on Northern Ireland on Wednesday.

He was included in Burley's first squad, the 1-1 friendly draw with Croatia in April, but it was a bittersweet debut as the Hibs striker set up Kenny Miller's goal before being forced off injured at half-time.

However, Fletcher was delighted to earn his first international call up and with others such as Kris Commons in the squad for the first time this week he knows it could be the start of a new era. He said:

"I've seen Kris on TV and he seems a top talent. The gaffer wants to have a look at everyone before the qualifiers so it's a chance for the new boys.

"The Croatia match was a brilliant experience and to get called up straight away by the manager was a massive boost.

"I was pleased to set up our goal but it was disappointing to go off with an injury.

"The football is a lot quicker at international level because of the high calibre of players.

"I had been playing well at club level last season and was glad to be called into the squad.

"I'm delighted to still be around to face Northern Ireland so hopefully I get another game.

"I reckon the gaffer watched me last season because I didn't play against Hearts in the Edinburgh derby when he was in charge at Tynecastle.

"In fact Hibs lost 4-0 that day - so maybe it's just as well!"

Fletcher has enjoyed a laugh in the build-up with Hibees team-mate Dean Shiels who is in Nigel Worthington's squad.

The Scotland ace said: "Northern Ireland have a good squad and I'm glad Dean has been called up.

"We enjoyed a bit of banter and I'm glad he's up against us.

He's become a lot more confiandent and that's all he needed because he's a great player."

Fletcher has been tipped for great things and Mail Sport exclusively revealed last season he was a target for Real Madrid.

But the modest youngster knows he has a long way to go before he's playing alongside the likes of Sneijder every week.

He wants to keep improving - and making the grade at international level is his first target.

Fletch said: "I have a lot to learn. I need to build myself up and work on my right foot and I'm still a few years away yet."

Another measure of Steven's confidence was the fact the La Liga link didn't put added pressure on him. Instead he thrived under the spotlight.

Fletch said: "It is not affecting my game. If anything it gives you a boost to read something about yourself in the paper. It's nice.

"I can't get ahead of myself although I'd like to play in the Premiership some day.

"A lot of people assume I'm older. When I tell folk I'm 20 they say I look about 24 to which I can only reply 'Cheers'.

"It's just because of how long I've been about. I'll be getting a testimonial next year!"