Fleck article:

[Boab 73]

Nov 7 2010 Scott McDermott, Sunday Mail

JOHN FLECK knows Rangers fans expected him to be a world beater when he was thrown into the first team as a 16-year-old wonder kid.

Now almost three years on - with less hype surrounding the Murray Park golden boy - Fleck believes he's finally ready to make a major impact.

The playmaker's return from a hamstring injury is a welcome boost for Walter Smith as his threadbare squad begin to feel the effects of their hectic, early-season schedule.

The burden of expectation Fleck was forced to carry at such an early age was immense.

He became the youngest player to turn out in a Scottish Cup Final when he helped Gers beat Queen of the South 3-2 in 2008.

That cranked up the hype even further and Fleck admits it DID get to him as he struggled to make a breakthrough.

But with more maturity, experience and physical strength, the teenager is now determined to nail down a place in Smith's side and lift more trophies.

As he prepared for today's SPL clash with St Mirren, Fleck said: "I just tried to get on with playing when I first came into the side but there were people who wanted me to take it past the whole opposition team and put the ball in the top corner.

"At the time I thought it was great to be involved in the first team but maybe it was too early. I just did my best.

"I tried to let all the hype go past me but there was pressure on my shoulders.

"Everybody expected me to do a lot more but I had to deal with that myself.

"I'm not saying this season is more important than any other but the more games I get the better it's going to be.

"I feel as if I'm doing well every day at Murray Park. I'm working hard and staying behind to do extra bits in the gym. The team have been doing well so I can't expect to go straight into the side. I have to take my chance when it finally comes.

"I'd like to make an impact but I'm still young and a lot of people forget that. I've just turned 19 so I have a few years to get better.

"I'm not that different to the 16-year-old who came on in the Scottish Cup Final. I'm just a bit more experienced and it was good to be involved in games like that.

"It was terrible being out injured at the start of the season.

"It was just a wee tear on my hamstring but I did it twice by coming back a bit too early to training.

"However, I'm back to full fitness now. I signed a new three-year deal in the summer and need to work hard to get in the team."

Fleck has been used mostly on the left flank by gaffer Smith but his natural position is playing just off a main striker.

He admits work needs to be done on the defensive side of his game but would love a run-out as support man for Kenny Miller.

Fleck said: "I like playing behind strikers but I'd play anywhere just to get a game.

"I've played centre-midfield, on the left and just off the front. I feel comfortable in any of those positions.

"I'm an attacking player but I've been working on the defensive side. When you don't have the ball you need to get back and not let the rest of the lads down.

"I'd love to play alongside Kenny. He's playing well right now and hopefully I'll get a chance there.

"Kenny creates a lot of chances for other people with his runs off the ball - as well as scoring for the team."

Smith is delighted to welcome Fleck back i nto hi s squad as he prepares for a busy run of games in the Champions League and SPL.

He believes the kid is now more aware of what's required to hold down a place in the team and insists people were too quick to judge him.

Smith said: "John's attitude has always been good. There's just more of a realisation now of what he needs to do to make the step up from youth football.

"You have to remember he played for us at 16 and it's not easy for a kid to do that.

"In pre-season training and the summer games in Australia he was excellent.

"You could see he was looking forward to the season so it was a bit of a dampener when he picked up an injury so early.

"He just has to pick up that freshness again and get going. But it's always difficult trying to fit him into games at times.

"I hope he starts to get far more matches under his belt this season.

"Danny Wilson was able to do it last year and I want John to do it now. I'm sure he will after giving himself a little bit of time to get back up to speed.

"John's only 19 and his progression has been good. He has a good level of ability and just needs the chance to show it.

"He's ready for it now. Before, while we recognised he had a good level of ability, it was still a bit early for John to come in and play at 16 and 17.

"I will be trying to get him more playing time because he showed in pre-season that he can make an impact."

Another option we have in Fleck, a good one too. I'd like to see him get a run at least, its done Naismith the world of good.

http://www.<No links to this website>/football/spl/rangers/2010/11/07/there-was-too-much-hype-on-me-but-now-i-m-ready-for-stardom-says-rangers-star-john-fleck-86908-22699054/.

[Guest]

Good to hear him speaking so honestly and with maturity and when a players staying behind after training you know they are trying hard. Really want to see him get a chance looked sharp against inverness when he came on

[sdunsmb 43]

Love to see him get a run. Just to see how good he actually is more than anything.

[Amac9 2,060]

No doubt he will get thrown out at LW in the near future.

Play him off the striker or play him in CM.

[Davie2909 21]

I would love to see Fleck given a chance just behind the strikers and a decent run of games as well.

[Polo 1,433]

Fleck in the 'Malouda' role

[Adoniram 1,919]

So what was to stop Smith from putting him on when we were 3 up yesterday?

[Ozblue 4,331]

So what was to stop Smith from putting him on when we were 3 up yesterday?

There is only one man who can answer that question,Ado...and he isn't telling!

[Adoniram 1,919]

There is only one man who can answer that question,Ado...and he isn't telling!

This is where i get really annoyed with Smith and all this "pressure" crap that eminates from Ibrox about playing youngsters in the SPL.

They don't have to start games all the time but when you are 3-0 up and cruising yet still only put one substitute on then that tells me youngsters are simply wasting their time at Rangers.

Edu has been carrying an injury so hwy not put on Hutton for the last 15 minutes.

Wylde has looked good when he has been given a chance so why not take off Naismith (apart from Miller our most important player) and give Wylde a run out and move Lafferty in to the centre.

At the very least Smith should be using his 3 substitutes at every possible opportunity to save players like Bougherra,Miller and Naismith from burn out or niggling strains and injuries.

Does my head in this lack of game time when it's patently obvious Smith would prefer to go with the usual 12 or 13 players game in game out.

[AljayBoy 2,314]

This is where i get really annoyed with Smith and all this "pressure" crap that eminates from Ibrox about playing youngsters in the SPL.

They don't have to start games all the time but when you are 3-0 up and cruising yet still only put one substitute on then that tells me youngsters are simply wasting their time at Rangers.

Edu has been carrying an injury so hwy not put on Hutton for the last 15 minutes.

Wylde has looked good when he has been given a chance so why not take off Naismith (apart from Miller our most important player) and give Wylde a run out and move Lafferty in to the centre.

At the very least Smith should be using his 3 substitutes at every possible opportunity to save players like Bougherra,Miller and Naismith from burn out or niggling strains and injuries.

Does my head in this lack of game time when it's patently obvious Smith would prefer to go with the usual 12 or 13 players game in game out.

Hear hear!

Especially when he goes on about the 'small' squad. Perfect time to give the youngsters a run out when you've got a few goals of a lead, and gives them the experience for when there may be no choice to play one of the young guys.