SUNDERLAND STRIKER Steven Fletcher is not guaranteed a start for Scotland despite returning to the national side. Fletcher said he is “desperate” to help Scotland reach the World Cup after ending his international exile. However, Scotland assistant manager Peter Houston has insisted no player is guaranteed a start against Wales.

“It’s a squad game, isn’t it? He might be picked for two games, he might be picked for one game and he might not be picked at all,” said Houston. “It’s something we’ve not discussed yet. We have games coming up on Friday and on Tuesday and Steven is in that squad. Whether he plays or not, it’s far too early to say.”

Fletcher had earlier expressed delight at his return to the fold, having been overlooked after making himself unavailable for the game with Northern Ireland in February 2011. “Everyone knows it has been too long since we last qualified for a major finals and I want to do my bit to help us reach Brazil,” he said.

Scotland manager Craig Levein decided to include the former Wolves and Burnley forward in his squad for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Wales in Cardiff and next week’s game against Belgium. “I am just happy to be back as part of the squad,” Fletcher, who has one goal from eight caps, told the Scottish FA website. “I had a good chat with the manager when he came to visit at the training ground last week and while it was important we discussed the past and put it to bed, it was more important that we focused on the future.

“I am desperate to play for Scotland again and, like Craig, I regret that it has taken this long to come about. I’m sure we have both done a lot of thinking during the last two years but the country comes first. We will be going to Wales looking to win and there is no point looking beyond that game. Our supporters will be there in their thousands and we need their support to put ourselves in contention in the group.”

Houston also stressed the unity in the camp after the return of Fletcher. “There’s been great banter among the players,” he said. “He’s been welcomed back like we always knew he would.”

Fletcher has been in excellent form since joining Sunderland from Wolves in the summer, scoring five goals. His inclusion will bolster the team’s attacking options after stuttering World Cup qualifying performances against Serbia and Macedonia.