Darren Fletcher praises "world-class" Wayne Rooney

Scotland skipper Darren Fletcher has praised England counterpart Wayne Rooney, describing him as a "first-class captain and a world-class player".

The two players, who used to be teammates at Manchester United, will lead their respective sides out at Wembley Stadium on Friday night for their World Cup qualifier.

Rooney has endured a tough spell in his career this season, being dropped for both club and country, although he is playing his way back into first-team contention.

Fletcher told reporters on Thursday: "Wayne Rooney is a first-class captain and a world-class player. He is a natural-born leader who is not afraid to speak his mind.

"He is England's all-time leading goalscorer. He will be the first to accept the pressure he is under and will want to prove himself".

Rooney has scored 53 goals in 117 international appearances for the Three Lions.