Gers KO making of Fleck

Steven Pressley reckons leaving Rangers to build a career in English football was the right thing to do for Scotland new boy John Fleck.

The Sheff ield United midfielder finally won his first cap in the 4-0 Euro 2020 qualifying defeat to Russia 10 days ago before injury ruled him out of also featur i ng i n the 6 - 0 hammering of San Marino.

It was a debut that was long overdue in the eyes of Pressley, who labelled the former Ibrox starlet as the best player he worked with during his spell in charge at Coventry City.

And Elvis is convinced the Bramall Lane star did t he r i g ht t h i n g by stepping out from the shadow of his uncle, Robert Fleck, by leaving first club Rangers in controversial circumstances in 2012.

Fleck, 28, joined Coventry after being one of 10 players who objected to his contract being transferred following the financial implosion of the Ibrox club.

Pressley, now Carlisle United manager, said: “I think moving down south helped him.

“For a young player, he had a huge burden at Rangers. He was related to Robert and was seen as the next big thing.

“He was in and around Glasgow and I felt the move away was probably, in hindsight, the smartest one for him to make.

“It allowed him to develop without the continuous focus and pressure that he was under at Rangers.

“Nothing has fazed him since. Every step he has made he has taken it in his stride. He’s a very settled family man now, so it really is great to see.”

Fleck had four years at Coventry before joining the Blades in 2016.

Former Scotland stopper Pressley added: “He’s a gem, an absolute top boy.

“Every day on the training ground he will train to win and to improve.

“Off the pitch, he’s really approachable and sociable, with good values.

“He is always respectful and stays in touch. He’s just a really good kid.”