Hanlon says Hibs’ three-year top-flight exile prevented an earlier Scotland call
● Defender plays down Rovers link
Hibernian defender Paul Hanlon has said that he intends to make up for lost time with Scotland after conceding that playing in the Ladbrokes Championship for three years hindered his international aspirations.
In the wake of the country’s recent failure to qualify for next summer’s World Cup finals, the 27-year-old was among eight uncapped players listed in caretaker manager Malky Mackay’s squad for next month’s friendly against the Netherlands at Pittodrie.
Hanlon’s ex-hibs colleague Jason Cummings – now at Nottingham Forest – Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack and Aberdeen pair Ryan Christie and Graeme Shinnie will also have designs on making their international bow on 9 November.
Although playing in Scotland’s second tier did not adversely affect Hibs midfielder John Mcginn’s desire to earn international recognition, Hanlon believes it did hold him back.
“I think playing in the Championshiphamperedmychances a wee bit, playing there for three years,” reflected Hanlon.
“Now that it’s happened I want to grab the opportunity with both hands.
“I only found out after training. The gaffer [Neil Lennon] just came in and told me in the changing room. Even when he said it I wasn’t too sure to be honest but I’m delighted – surprised as well but I’m excited.
“Most of the boys were there so they were congratulating me and stuff and yeah, it was great.”
Hanlon now plans to make the most of Scotland’s changing of the guard as the national team bid to end a 22-year drought for a major finals by reaching Euro 2020.
He added: “There is going to be a lot of us in there that are wanting to try and prove that we should have been there a while ago. There have been a lot of players who have been knocking and not quite made it in the squad, so this is a chance to prove that you deserve to be there.
“I think that once you do well you’ve got a chance to get a few caps under your belt.
“It could be a new era for a lot of younger players pushing up.
“I’m not the youngest there now but for the young ones who are pushing in it is their chance to cement a place in the squad and be there for a number of campaigns.”
Hanlon,whoiseyeingavictory in tonight’s clash at Kilmarnock that would propel Hibs up to third in the Premiership, has not only caught Scotland interim boss Mackay’s attention after being linked with a reunion with former Hibs boss Tony Mowbray at Blackburn Rovers. The centre-half, however, insists he is paying no attention to the speculation.
He added: “I came out of training on Sunday and there were a couple of messages on my phone. I don’t know where that’s come from but it’s good to be playing well and in a winning team.”
Hibs head coach Neil Lennon insists Hanlon’s first callup is richly deserved. “He’s 27 coming into the best years of his career so this should be a good shot in the arm for him,” said Lennon. “He’s in a good place, injury free, balanced.”
Asked about the speculation linking the player with Blackburn, Lennon added: “I would be surprised if there weren’t teams interested in him. I can’t do anything about speculation. I looked at it and went ‘fair enough’. If a bid comes in it comes in, but he is not for sale.”