Sheffield United midfielder John Fleck has not been included in the latest Scotland squad because it clashes with his wedding.
The Sheffield Star reports that the country’s new manager, Steve Clarke, has confirmed that is the “prior commitment” that was previously mentioned concerning Fleck.
The 27-year-old will now miss upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers with Cyprus and Belgium.
It means Fleck will have to wait a little longer for that long anticipated debut for his country. Many people, including Blades fans, were surprised by his continued omission by former boss Alex McLeish.
Fleck played a huge part in United being promoted from League One in 2016/17 and was named the club’s player of the season the following campaign.
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Once again the Scot has been massively influential this time around, playing 45 Championship matches as Chris Wilder’s side finished second. Next term he will be in the Premier League.
Yet despite that Fleck was constantly overlooked by McLeish and his predecessors. The midfield ace was eventually named in the 60-year-old’s final squad before being sacked. However, Fleck did not make it off the bench.
(Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images)
Fleck’s importance
Landed on a free transfer from Coventry City during Wilder’s first summer in charge, the Rangers academy product has proven to be one of his best signings.
Since then Fleck has played 139 times for the Blades, helping them to two promotions. Alongside Oliver Norwood he formed a formidable central midfield in 2018/19.
Between them they provided 18 league assists, with Fleck edging out Norwood with 10 compared to his eight.
This impressive form lead to interest from West Ham United. Sky Sports reported that talks were held over a possible £4m deal during the January transfer window.
Yet nothing came from it and instead Fleck helped United to a second place finish and a spot in the top flight of English football for next season.
