Fletcher poised to snub Old Firm and stay at Hibernian

Fletcher has performed a U-turn on his future by agreeing to renegotiate terms on his current deal - which still had over three years to run - just weeks after he looked certain to be a £3million January target for Rangers and Celtic.

However, a delighted Collins last night said: "I have had a chat with Steven and he's made it clear he wants to stay at the club because he is enjoying his football here.

"He feels it's the best place for him to learn and develop as a player and so do I and Tommy Craig. Hopefully we'll have some good news on him in the next few days with regards to a contract extension.

"There's no doubt Steven will eventually leave, but the secret is the timing of any move. There's no rush because he's still a young lad who is developing his game and he knows that.

"Scott Brown is the perfect example of someone who waited until the right moment to make his move. He became a full Scotland international before he moved on and often when that's the case everyone gets a better deal. The player is more confident and both clubs benefit."

While Fletcher is sticking around, so too is 39-year-old Collins. Rated as an outside bet for the vacant Scotland manager's post, Collins added: "It's flattering to be linked with the post but I'm sure there will be others mentioned, too.

"One day I would love to manage my country, of course I would. If the time comes when I'm asked, then I'll think about it. But I'm sure that won't be for a number of years.

"It's more suited to an older, experienced manager, in my eyes, because it's a different role to the one at club level."