Fletcher denies exit talk

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The astonishing rise to prominence of Brazilian midfielder Anderson following his summer arrival from Porto has severely restricted Fletcher's first-team opportunities.

But Fletcher said: "I am still happy playing for Manchester United and I am not thinking of going elsewhere."

Saturday's late run-out against Newcastle was only the Scotland international's 15th appearance of the season, nine of which have been as substitute.

Indeed, Fletcher has started twice as many games in the Champions League this term than he has in the Barclays Premier League, where the Christmas trips to Sunderland and West Ham are the only times he has appeared in Sir Alex Ferguson's starting XI.

Little wonder, therefore, that speculation has been mounting over the 23-year-old's future.

Celtic would almost certainly show an interest should Fletcher indicate any desire to leave, while it was suggested the Dalkeith-born player's former international manager Alex McLeish would attempt to lure him south to Birmingham.

"I never heard anything about Birmingham being interested, I just know I want to be here for a long time," Fletcher said.

"My only focus is on being ready when the manager needs me and being able to perform for the club when asked."

"It is frustrating because any player wants to play," he said. "But basically, it has been down to the form of the midfield. Fair play to Anderson, when Paul Scholes got injured, he came in and has been in great form."