Fletcher studies for Turkish test

Scotland striker Steven Fletcher is hoping his team can absorb the lessons of their first two games as they prepare to take on Turkey in the concluding round of matches in UEFA European Under-19 Championship Group B.

Lead lost
Tommy Wilson's team opened their finals campaign with a 2-2 draw against Portugal, although there was some disappointment as they allowed a two-goal lead to slip through their fingers after Fletcher had opened the scoring with his eighth goal of the overall competition. It was a different story on matchday two as Spain clinched first place in the section with a 4-0 win in Pobiedziska but, despite the margin of that defeat, the Hibernian FC forward feels that there are positive aspects the Scots can take from the opening two games.

Spanish lesson
"We should have won against Portugal really, we got two goals in front and then got a bit tired," he told uefa.com. "At the time we saw the Portugal game as two points lost but they're a good team and I don't think anyone expected us to go 2-0 up in the first half. Spain gave us all a football lesson in keeping the ball and picking the right pass. We play a bit faster and they slowed the game right down, which made it hard for us. Technically they were so good, particularly Diego Capel, Javi García and [Gerard] Piqué; they're a great side."

Striking chance
Their first two results have left the Scots bottom of the standings although a win against Turkey – whose first two games have yielded 16 goals – will guarantee a place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup and could also bring a semi-final spot here depending on the result of the match between Portugal and Spain. "We know what Turkey are all about," Fetcher said. "They look like an open team with goals at both ends, they've let in nine and scored seven so it's a good chance for the strikers. We'll have to try to keep it tight at the back and see what happens."

Fine record
If anything positive is to happen for Scotland, Fletcher is likely to be at the heart of it. The forward struck seven times in five qualifying appearances and took just ten minutes to open his finals account against Portugal. Such a record makes him the Scots' principle attacking threat, although the 19-year-old is keen to share out the credit. "If you look at those goals, although I got a couple of free-kicks, a lot of them are down to good work from my team-mates. I've got a few goals so far and hopefully I'll get a couple more on Sunday."

Scoring target
At club level Fletcher's eight league goals helped Hibernian finish fourth in the Scottish Premier League in 2005/06 and with strikers Derek Riordan and Garry O'Connor both departing, further opportunities are likely to come his way. He is keen to build on his initial success, explaining: "I had a decent season last year, so I've got to look to take it on and score more goals - that's my aim at the start of every season. Now Derek and Garry have left the manager has said there's a first-team space there for me so it's up to me to take it. Hopefully I'll be able to do that."