Scotland beaten on Fletcher's return

STEVEN FLETCHER made his long-awaited return to the Scotland set-up last night, as Craig Levein`s side continued their winless streak at the hands of Wales, going down 2-1 to a Gareth Bale brace.

It had all started well for the Scots, who went ahead through West Brom`s James Morrison - Fletcher providing the assist for the former Middlesbrough midfielder.

However, a contentious penalty award for a trip on Gareth Bale saw the Welsh flyer bag the penalty, before scoring a stunning 89th minute winner for Chris Coleman`s beleaguered side, handing the former Fulham boss his first win in charge of the national side.

David Vaughan on the other hand had a better night of it, playing 90 minutes in the centre of midfield for Coleman`s side.

It was a bad night for the Republic of Ireland and their Sunderland trio of John O`Shea, Kieren Westwood & David Meyler.

Westwood started in goal for Giovanni Trapattoni`s side, who went down 6-1 at home to Germany. Joachim Low`s side grabbed two through Marco Reus and Toni Kroos either side of goals from Mesut Ozil and Miroslav Klose.

Andy Keogh got the Irish consolation, with O`Shea also playing the full 90.

Meyler was an unused substitute.

Another man on duty for one of the home nations was Adam Johnson.

The winger was an unused substitute as England coughed and spluttered to a 5-0 victory over the worst side in the FIFA rankings in San Marino.

Sweden overcame a surprise goal from the Faroe Islands to win 2-1 away from home. Sebastian Larsson played the full 90 minutes as goals from Fulham`s Alex Kacaniklic and PSG`s Zlatan Ibrahimovic secured a win for the Swedes.

Belgium were also victorious, running out 3-0 winners over Serbia. Simon Mignolet was once again an unused substitute as Thibaut Courtois was preferred between the sticks.

Goals from Kevin de Bruyne, Christian Benteke and Kevin Miralles secured the win for Belgium.