Jack Fletcher credits McTominay for settling him into Scotland's World Cup squad after Gilmour injury

Jack Fletcher has been handed a shock World Cup call-up with Scotland after Billy Gilmour was ruled out through injury, and the 19-year-old Manchester United midfielder has credited Scott McTominay with helping him settle into Steve Clarke’s squad.

Fletcher, son of former United captain Darren Fletcher and a product of the club’s academy, had made just three first-team appearances for United before receiving the call. He had previously represented England at youth level before committing to Scotland internationally.

Describing the moment he learned of his inclusion, Fletcher said the week had been a whirlwind. “It’s been a crazy week. I didn’t really expect it but I am just taking it in my stride and loving every minute of it so far,” he said. “The manager came up to me and said ‘I might not be the last time I see you on this trip’. I was a bit like: ‘Wow’. Then, the next morning, I got a call saying do you want to go to the World Cup.”

Fletcher admitted he was so unprepared for the call-up that he arrived without basic equipment. “I was speechless and obviously said yes. I’ve got nothing with me, I’ve got nothing in my suitcase. I’ve got no boots — I am getting my boots sent over today actually.”

Despite the chaos, Fletcher said the environment within the squad has helped him adjust quickly, singling out McTominay and Kenny McLean for particular praise. “I knew Scott from United, he has helped me a lot. Kenny McLean has been top with me — really top guy. One of the best players I have ever trained with, he is so good. All of them are and it is a great team to be around.”

Fletcher acknowledged that impressing on this trip could have broader implications for his club career. “It was in the back of my head that if I go and make an impression, I could go and make it into the first team and be around it. But to go to the World Cup a week after training is something I never thought of or could have dreamed of.”

Scotland face Bolivia in a final warm-up fixture on Sunday before the tournament begins. Clarke’s side have been drawn in Group C alongside Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil. The appearance marks Scotland’s first World Cup in nearly 30 years, though the nation has never progressed beyond the group stage.