Hanlon not ready to let go after cap ambition came true

PAUL HANLON is adamant he never gave up on his international dream as the Hibernian stalwart vowed to embrace the challenge of retaining his place in the Scotland squad. Hanlon made his senior international debut at the age of 30 against Czech Republic on Wednesday, entering the fray after 79 minutes to help the hosts see out a 1-0 triumph. It capped a whirlwind 48 hours for the defender, given he was only called up as a replacement for Leeds United’s Liam Cooper at the start of the week. But it was a fitting reward for a player who has racked up more than 400 appearances for Hibs and was formerly a regular for Scotland at youth level. ‘That was right up there with my career highlights,’ said a smiling Hanlon. ‘To get in a squad and win my first cap is something I’ve worked towards for a long time. I played a number of games with the Under-19s and 21s over the years but just never managed to get that senior cap until now. ‘But I always had that belief. Although I knew I might need injuries or others pulling out, I thought I would get a chance if I got in squads and did well in training. ‘After waiting for that moment, once I was on the pitch it was like: “Oh right, I’ve really got a job to do now”! ‘Before the game, I’d have taken one minute on the pitch to get my cap — but, looking back, I’m happy to have come on in such a big game and contributed to a great win.’

A taste of international football has only whetted his appetite for more, particularly with the Euro 2020 play-off final with Serbia coming up next month. The incentive of being part of the squad with a chance to end Scotland’s 22-year exile from a major finals will drive him on during Hibs’ next four fixtures, starting with today’s trip to Ross County. ‘It just gives you a taste for it,’ added Hanlon. ‘I want to do it again. There’s a lot of competition for places but if I can keep my form going, there’s no reason why not. ‘The manager has shown a trust in me to put me on at such a vital stage of a massive game. However, I need to come back to Hibs and play very well. ‘We’ve started the season off well and, if we can keep that going, then myself, Ryan (Porteous), Paul McGinn and even someone like Kevin Nisbet — who can’t be far away — have a much better chance.’ And what of Porteous, who was named in the initial squad only to see his team-mate drafted in at the 11th hour to debut ahead of him? ‘I don’t think he would have put his hand up to play left wing-back anyway!’ laughed Hanlon. ‘Listen, his time is definitely coming. He just needs to be patient. ‘Ryan’s not showing any disappointment. He was selected in the original squad, which is a massive confidence boost in itself. Wednesday was just a case of the way the game was going and circumstances meant it was me. ‘However, the way Ryan is progressing, he’ll have a massive future and Scotland recognition will be a big part of that.’