Thursday 23 November 2017 16:58, UK
Stoke midfielder Darren Fletcher says he feels humbled to break the Premier League record for appearances by a Scot.
Fletcher made his 326th appearance in the top flight in the 2-2 draw against Brighton on Monday, eclipsing former Leeds and Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister.
Although he was keen to point out there was plenty of good Scots before the Premier League was created, the 33-year-old was proud to have overtaken his boyhood idol.
Fletcher said: "I take great pride in it; at the same time though, it's a Premier League record.
"I'm well aware there's been plenty of football played before the Premier League with a number of fantastic Scotsmen and I feel it's key to emphasise that.
"At the same time, knowing how tough the league it is, it's shown longevity from me especially after my spell out from illness.
"To overtake someone like Gary McAllister too, who actually was my hero growing up watching Scotland. I've met him a number of times; he's a great man so to go past someone like that is really humbling."
Fletcher has made 103 consecutive Premier League appearances, in which time he has played for Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion as well as his current employers.
Whilst at Old Trafford, the Scot suffered with ulcerative colitis from 2008 that was finally cured with surgery to remove his large intestine in 2013. Despite years of his career being affected by the illness, Fletcher feels he can still do the thing he loves to do and it may help extend his career.
"I'm hoping I can add it on to the end of my career; although I suffered with an illness, things that usually stop footballers like joints with wear and tear, I had a few years rest and I can add it on," the midfielder said.
"Coming here and training every day is fantastic, but getting out on that pitch for 90 minutes is the best; that's what I missed and what I most enjoy.
"You're going out there against the challenge of great players in the Premier League, pitting yourself against them. Sometimes you come out on top and you've had a great game, sometimes you're on the losing end and it knocks you.
"But at the same time, you're desperate to get back out there and do it all over again. There's no real looking back now; it's nice to see these records come, but the most important thing to me is playing well and getting results for Stoke."
