Darren Fletcher cites Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney as the perfect example of practice making perfect.

Rooney is expected to head the Manchester United attack after recovering from a minor knee injury in time to face AC Milan in the Champions League at Old Trafford.

The 28-goal frontman has been in outstanding form this term, relishing the responsibility that came with Sir Alex Ferguson responding to Cristiano Ronaldo's world-record departure for Real Madrid by installing him as his number-one striker.

Yet, as Fletcher can testify, the astonishing development has not come without a huge amount of hard work which now, by common consent, sees Rooney installed as one of the world's best players.

"People are seeing the rewards of the hard work he has put in on the training ground," said the Scotland skipper.

"It has been noted how many headed goals he has been scoring. But that comes form practice.

"He has risen to the challenge of being the goalscorer and his performances have improved.

"Wayne has matured and improved as a player. He has got stronger as the season has gone on and his confidence is growing.

"Really, he does believe he is up there with the best players in the world and his form is showing that."

Fletcher's own form has been through a period of marked improvement.

In the immediate aftermath of David Beckham's departure in 2003, the Dalkeith-born midfielder was one of the men who, unsuccessfully at first, tried to maintain United as a title-winning force.

All those reservations have now been dismissed, to the extent that Fletcher's absence was cited as the major reason why United were so comprehensively outplayed in last year's final defeat by Barcelona.

There are plenty of examples where Fletcher has performed admirably against the very best midfielders.

And he admits occasions like tomorrow's meeting with the seven-time European Cup winners have a special relevance.

"They are the matches I enjoy," he said. "And I hope they bring out the best in me.

"You can't beat a Champions League night. It is a competition all players want to play in.

"You are pitting yourself against the best players and the best teams in Europe. You have to try and rise to the challenge.

"That is the great thing about playing for a club like Manchester United. We have all these great occasions. I relish them."

Beckham's return to Old Trafford will add an extra edge to tomorrow's occasion.

Now one of the Premier League's most influential players, there was a time when Fletcher looked towards the former England skipper for inspiration.

And, for all Sir Alex Ferguson's reservations about his private life, Fletcher is convinced Beckham will receive a suitable reception.

"David is a massive global star and an example to all young footballers," said the 26-year-old.

"As a young player at Manchester United he was one of the players I looked up to.

"Obviously he has moved on from here and had a successful career.

"He is still battling for a place in the World Cup squad with England and will be out to impress everyone.

"I am sure he will get a good reception from our supporters.

"But once the game kicks off, all that friendship goes out of the window.

"Both teams just want to win the match."