Man Utd midfielder Fletcher full of praise for cheeky Villa kid Bannan

09.09.11

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is full of praise for Aston Villayoungster Barry Bannan.

Scotland midfielder Bannan was outstanding in victory over Lithuania this week.

Fletch said: "Barry's just a cheeky chappie. It doesn't matter if he's new to the squad, he'll have a fly comment at you and Goodie will be laughing.

"They are great lads to have around because they make everybody feel young and we are always laughing at them.

"People will now expect more from Barry, but he plays in a carefree fashion and that helps him on the pitch. He just wants the ball. He loves playing football and wants to get on the ball and make things happen. He is small, but his first touch is so good he puts himself in a position where he is not fighting with defenders.

"Both his movement and awareness are so good he is not in any battles.

"He picks up great positions, plays great passes and makes things happen. Even when he tries that killer pass and it doesn't come off, his head doesn't go down.

"We tell him to keep trying it because he'll ultimately get or create the winner for us — and that's what happened against Lithuania. The fans have already taken to him because he's a good player.

"Barry gives us something different in the team — that little bit of creativity. He's great around the squad and full of enthusiasm and cheekiness.

"That's the way he is on the pitch as well."