Scotland smash TT 4-1

EDINBURGH: Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher was in majestic form as Scotland thrashed Trinidad and Tobago 4-1 in a friendly yesterday — their biggest win under German coach Berti Vogts. All four goals came in an energetic first-half at Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh, with 20-year-old Fletcher — Scotland’s youngest captain since World War II — in only his eighth appearance at international level. It was Scotland’s second successive win after Thursday’s 1-0 friendly victory in Estonia and the first time Scotland have scored four goals since a 4-0 World Cup qualifying win against San Marino on March 28, 2001.

The home side looked sprightly from the outset as Everton’s James McFadden passed to Fletcher for a sixth minute opener. Fletcher then turned provider by crossing for Gary Holt to finish with a brave diving header on 14 minutes. Fletcher was again involved as his corner was bundled home by Gary Caldwell nine minutes later before Portsmouth midfielder Nigel Quashie, winning his second cap, netted his first Scotland goal with a 34th-minute effort from distance.

In the second period the Scots failed to recover the level of verve that symbolised their first-half effort and Birmingham City striker Stern John grabbed a consolation goal for the visitors with a volley after 55 minutes. Scotland’s next friendly is against Hungary at Hampden Park on August 18 before they begin their bid to reach the 2006 World Cup finals with a home match against Slovenia on September 8. Scotland’s other Group Five rivals are Italy, Norway, Moldova and Belarus.