Charlie is happy to do battle with Fletcher
CHARLIE ADAM has never shirked a challenge.
That’s why he isn’t fazed by Darren Fletcher’s arrival at Stoke City.
The former Manchester United and West Brom star was manager Mark Hughes’ first capture of the summer.
Adam, with one year left on his own deal at the bet365 Stadium, knows he faces a fight with his countryman for a place in the Potters’ midfield.
But Charlie, who sparked rumours of a return to Scotland last week after a cryptic, quickly deleted: “I’m coming home” Tweet, insists he is ready to go toe- to- toe with Fletcher.
“He’s a very good addition for us – good experience, played at the highest level, winning mentality,” said Adam.
“Darren is going to be competing against me, which makes it a wee bit of a difficult situation, in that we’ll both want the jersey. But that’s the challenge you want.
“He’s a top guy as well, and will be a good addition to our dressing room.
“He’s never missed a game since he went to West Brom, and played 97 games in just over two years.
“That’s after him going through such a bad period with his health for the two years before that.
“So it’s good to see Darren back playing, and he did extremely well for West Brom while he was there.
“We are different players. But, at the end of the day, he’s a midfielder and so am I, so the competition is definitely there.
“We both know not everyone can play, so we’re all going to be fighting for jerseys but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Adam won 12 of his 26 Scotland caps alongside Fletcher, mostly prior to the latter’s long, health- imposed absence from the international scene.
The way Fletcher has claimed the upper hand in his battle with ulcerative colitis is something his new Stoke team-mate respects – along with his dedication to Scotland’s cause. “I played with Darren a lot,” said Charlie. “Because he was at Manchester United, he was always the one you looked up to in the squad.
“And, of course, you admire him for the way he came back from what he went through.
“As a national team, we suffered in his absence, and it’s hard for him since because he’s found it difficult to get back into the Scotland team because Scott Brown has been playing the role so well.
“But at 33, Darren still turned up for every game, was still was part of the squad and was still willing to put himself on the line for his country.”
Adam has not been given the same opportunity by Gordon Strachan – and it rankles.
At club level, however, he is a valued member of Mark Hughes’ squad.
He has pursued his coaching badges with the SFA regardless, with his UEFA “A” Licence freshly acquired.
But for as long as he is doing the business on the park, Charlie hopes not to have to seek pastures new.
“It’s maybe not every week that the manager is pulling you to one side and telling you you’re playing or not playing. We may not have that discussion for four or five weeks,” said Adam.
“But you know your place and you understand.
“I know I’m an important part of the squad on the pitch and in the dressing-room as well.
“I’ve got a year left at Stoke and we’ll see what happens. I’m happy to stay there and play, although it will be another challenge.
“It’s never crossed my mind to move on, though. Why would I? The family’s happy, the kids are settled.
“I also know I’m not just a bit-part player. Stoke still see me as a big key player.
“Yeah, I’m not going to play every game. Last season I think I made 24 appearances in the league.
“But when I am playing, I’m contributing to the team, which is good.
“We won 11 games last year and I started seven of them.
“I’m not saying it’s the only factor but I feel when I play I have an impact on games and we win.
“The stats don’t lie, but obviously there are 10 other players in your team and everyone has a job to do.”