Continuity will be key for Scotland - Darren Fletcher

Darren Fletcher believes continuity will be key to Scotland reaching the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.

The 32-year-old West Brom captain won the first of his 70 caps in August 2003 under Berti Vogts as a second-half substitute in a goalless draw against Norway.

Since then he has played under Walter Smith, Alex McLeish, George Burley, Craig Levein and caretaker Billy Stark, none of whom managed to take Scotland to the finals of a major tournament.

Despite failing to qualify for Euro 2016 Gordon Strachan has signed a two-year extension and begins preparing for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers with a challenge match against Czech Republic.

Denmark then visit Hampden Park next Tuesday and Fletcher believes the manager's decision to stick around could make the difference this time.

He said: "Continuity is not something I've had in my Scotland career. There's been a lot of changes in managers.

"There's been times we have started groups really well and been on the verge of qualifying only for managers to be taken away to club jobs.

"We've seen the opposite when managers haven't done so well and lost their jobs.

"To have that consistency over a couple of campaigns is not something I've had in my Scotland career.

"Everyone knows if you stick with the manager and give him time when he is doing the right things, then ultimately you're going to get success from that."

Scotland last appearance on the big stage was at the 1998 World Cup in France and the former Manchester United midfielder insists there can be no slip-ups in the forthcoming qualifying campaign.

Only one team from England, Slovakia, Slovenia, Lithuania and Malta qualifies automatically.

He said: "It's about realising you can't have an off night. Especially in a World Cup group where only one team goes through and one goes into the play-offs.

"When you find yourselves in good positions against your rivals then you need to see the games out.

"It's about brushing up on those small margins that will really help us.

"We also know what the manager wants. We are not starting again. We understand the system and what is expected. It will be a case of fine tuning it for this campaign.

"I am 32 now but have still got the legs to think I've got another couple of campaigns to achieve it.

"We know how difficult it will be. It's a tough group but not one we should be scared of.

"I really want to get to a major tournament with my country. It's one of those things you dream about. I'm desperate to tick it off my list."