STEVEN PRESSLEY has backed John Fleck to grasp his chance and prove himself good enough for Scotland.
Pressley worked with Fleck during their time together at Coventry City and has revealed he championed the midfielder during conversations with then Scotland boss Gordon Strachan.
After leaving Rangers as a youngster, the 28-year-old has worked his way through the divisions south of the border and is now a regular for Sheffield United in the Premier League.
A recent man-of-the-match display against Liverpool earned him rave reviews and came as no surprise to Pressley, who reckons his former charge has what it takes to thrive on the international scene.
Fleck, who was set to feature against Cyprus and Belgium in June but was unavailable because he was getting married, has caught the eye of national team boss Steve Clarke and could make his debut against Russia on Thursday or San Marino on Sunday.
Pressley told Capital City Press: “John was a player I actually mentioned on a number of occasions to Gordon Strachan, because I had worked closely with him.
“He was a player I always felt had the ability to play at the top level and I’m delighted to see him doing so.
“I have no doubts he can prove himself as an international.
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“Throughout my time at Coventry, he was without doubt my best player and I always felt he could go higher.
“The thing with him is nothing fazes the kid. He’s like a street footballer, all he wants to do is play football.
“John would play down the public park the way he plays on a Saturday afternoon. He just loves football.
“Steve has come in and is obviously still assessing the group and this gives him the chance, if he decides, to have a look at the likes of John.
“We have some really good midfield players, and really good attacking wide players, but I’m sure that John can play in that team.
“I really believe that and I believe given the opportunity he’ll show people that.”
