Fletcher is a key player for Scotland

The 23-year-old Scotland midfielder helped United power to a 7-1 Champions League victory at Old Trafford.

And McLeish told The Sun: "Darren went through a hard time from the fans and I hate all that negative stuff.

"Yet surely those detractors watched him against Roma and thought again about the wisdom of their words."

Fletcher has missed McLeish's first two games in charge of Scotland through injury and suspension.

However, Fletcher is sure to add to his 27 caps under McLeish, with Scotland's next outing a friendly in Austria on 30 May.