Darren Fletcher was last night hailed as the ultimate inspiration for wannabe football stars.

The glowing tribute to the Manchester United star came from Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz.

Scotland skipper Fletcher was a teenager when Queiroz worked with him in his previous role as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant manager at Old Trafford, but he made a lasting impression.

He said: “At United, we gave him a taste of some big games at a young age.

“He was someone we on the coaching staff felt would do well. Sir Alex knew the contribution he could make and it has happened.

“He is a different player now from then. Not because he did not have the talent back then, but because of the experience he has amassed.

“He has so much knowledge now and has added to his game. Darren is a great team player. He is a fantastic choice for Scotland as captain.

“He is a great boy and a good model for other players and for youngsters, not only for Scots, but also around the world because of the status of United. We need players like him in football.”

Queiroz also revealed that former Rangers midfielder Pedro Mendes may play a major role for Portugal at the World Cup.

Mendes, who joined Sporting Lisbon in a £1.3m move last month, has rarely played for his country in recent years, but was brought in from the cold at the end of Portugal’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

“Pedro was absolutely brilliant for me in the last two World Cup qualifiers,” said Queiroz. “He played against Hungary and was our key man.

“I actually called him very early in his time in Scotland to tell him I had not forgotten about him.

“The fact he is now in Lisbon does not make any difference to me for his World Cup chances. I don’t pick players because of where they play their club football.

I knew he did well in Glasgow. Selling him is a decision for Rangers and I respect their right to do that.”