Hanley hoping Scots can lay down marker

Alex McLeish got the new Scotland era off to a perfect start off the pitch, according to Grant Hanley, writes Eric Nicolson.

And now it is up to the players to make the perfect start on it against Costa Rica on Friday night

“We met up on Sunday night and had our first meeting with the manager,” said the Norwich defender. “It was good for him to speak to all the boys together for the first time.

“He just wanted to get us all together and make sure we know we can achieve something with Scotland. He told us we all have the ability and talent to do it.

“Within that, he explained what he expects from us.

“He spoke to us and also showed us video footage. It showed some of the good moments Scotland have had down the years, going back in time but also more recent stuff as well.

“I think that kind of motivational stuff works. If you watch those moments, it does inspire you. For me personally, that type of thing is always good.

“Faddy’s goal in Paris was included, for example, and stuff like that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

“It’s great for the boys to look at stuff like that. Everyone has to take it their own way but I think the boys will take inspiration from it.

“There are a lot of new faces. The squad is different with a new manager. It’s the start of the build up to a new campaign and we have to take it that way.

“We have these first couple of friendly games for everyone to get to know each other and for the new manager to put his ideas across. The boys are just excited to get started now.”

After finding himself out of the picture towards the end Gordon Strachan’s time in charge, this is a fresh start even for a man with 28 caps.

“Personally, I feel good at the moment because I’m back playing regularly again at club level,” said Hanley.

“If you are playing for your club, you are obviously going to have a better chance of playing at international level.

“I was left out of the last squad, which I was gutted about. But I could totally understand why.

“Now I’m just glad to be back and it’s up to me to train well and show the manager what I can do.

“Centre-half was his position and he obviously knows what he’s talking about with regards to playing there, so it will be good for me to pick up any wee pointers I can from him.”

Hanley stressed the importance of starting as they mean to go on – even though the next few games are friendlies.

“We need to get that winning mentality,” he said. “That’s important.

“You always know what you are going to get from Scotland. The boys are always going to try their hardest and show a lot of fight.

“It’s another chance for us, it’s a new campaign. It’s a great chance for us to try and get it right this time.

“There’s no magic spell, it’s not about just changing one thing which will suddenly make us start winning games.

“It’s up to the players. The new manager will tell us what he expects from us and it’s up to the players to do that on the park.

“But I do think we need to get that winning mentality together and really focus and push on to win more games.”

Grant Hanley chats with coach James McFadden during a squad session at Oriam.