INTERNATIONAL novice Steven Fletcher will rise to the occasion if given the chance to shoot down Holland on Saturday.

That's the view of his club manager at Hibs, Mixu Paatelainen, who won 70 caps as a striker for Finland.

Fletcher, who turns 22 today, has just two caps to his name, one of which came from a friendly against Croatia.

But given George Burley's crippling injury list for the crucial World Cup qualifying match, the Easter Road front man Fletcher could be handed a dream start against the Dutch.

Paatelainen said: "Knowing his personality, although he respects opponents, he is a confident type.

"He does not freeze, some players do when there is a big crowd or big stakes.

"Steven certainly is not that type, he relishes big occasions such as going to Celtic Park or Ibrox.

"He is fantastic, he works very hard and that's the sign of a quality player.

"The more important or the bigger the occasion, he rises to it and plays even better.

"If selected, hopefully he can do that.

"I am not trying to put any pressure on him if he is selected, but that's what I'd expect from him.

"George Burley knows that and, if selected, hopefully Steven does well for his country.

"I would like to think he would relish a game like this. Every player wants to play in the big games and the atmosphere will be fantastic.

"Of course I would like to see Steven involved, I like our players to be involved in the international scene.

"It's always a confidence boost for the players, it raises their profile and the player feels good."

Meanwhile, Paatelainen admits he won't be offering a contract to much-travelled former Jamaican striker Trevor Benjamin following a short trial.