West Bromwich Albion and Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher believes that he has finally returned to his peak fitness levels for the first time since taking an extended break from the game.
The 31-year-old had to undergo major surgery in 2013 as he battled to overcome a chronic bowel condition, which forced him to spend time looking on from the sidelines.
Fletcher then made the decision to call time on his 10-year Manchester United career in order to find more regular playing time at West Brom in February, a decision which he believes has already proven to be the correct choice.
Speaking after Scotland's 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland, Fletcher is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: "It's been a long time since I felt this good playing for Scotland.
"You are probably going back four or five years. But I still think there is more to come, as well. I feel stronger with every 90 minutes and hopefully that continues.
"I'm not missing a day's training. And I felt like I could go again after playing against Northern Ireland. That shows I'm getting all my strength back. It's been a while coming but I feel it's finally here."
Fletcher has made 24 appearances for club and country this term, compared to just 19 throughout the whole of last season.
