Hanlon hopes
Hibernian defender aiming for a cap call
HibS defender Paul Hanlon celebrated amassing 300 appearances for the club, but admits he would be happy with just his first for Scotland.
Nearly nine years after making his debut in a 3-0 victory over inverness Caley Thistle, the dependable centre-half reached the impressive milestone in last weekend’s draw at Morton.
At just 26, Hanlon is likely to rack up many more centuries of outings in his career and the Edinburgh-born player admits he is also desperate to fulfil an ambition of playing for his country.
Hanlon is part of a Hibs rearguard that has the meanest defence in british football, with Neil Lennon’s side having conceded only nine Ladbrokes Championship goals this season ahead of today’s visit of Raith Rovers.
Fraser Fyvie and Darren McGregor have tipped their team-mate for international recognition and Hanlon admits being called up by Scotland would be an honour.
He said: ‘it is nice to hear people talking about me playing for Scotland, it’s good to have my mates sticking up for me.
‘but it’s not something i worry about or think about too much. There’s too much to think about with Hibs and trying to do well here.
‘if it comes along then i would be delighted and it’s something i would be really proud of, but i’m not worrying about it or going into games thinking: “i need to do well if i’m going to get in the Scotland squad”.
‘if you were a manager who had a player in the English Championship and one in the Scottish Championship, then it is easier to pick the one in the English Championship because it is a much higher level to play at.
‘but all i can do is try my best to get Hibs out of this division and into the Premiership. That is my main aim and i’m just trying to play well every week.’
Hanlon, meanwhile, insists the signing of midfielder Kris Commons on a month-long loan from Celtic is a statement of intent as Hibs look to build a lead over Dundee United at the Championship summit.
Scotland cap Commons made his debut at Cappielow last Saturday just 24 hours after agreeing a month-long loan.
Hanlon said: ‘it’s a statement signing. it’s going to add massive quality to the squad and we’ve got a lot of players that can all play in that position, as well.
‘He’s been great, you can see his quality right away. i think he’ll be a great addition to the squad.
‘Even in the Morton game, i thought he’d tire a lot quicker. i think it’s eight months ago he last played a competitive game — that’s incredible. i would feel off the pace after two weeks.
‘That’s the one thing, when our team goes up on their wall and they see Commons is playing, they’ll be like: “We better be on our game”.
‘it’s a great thing to have in our team. That was the way i felt when you were going to Parkhead or Celtic were coming to Easter Road.
‘Hopefully that will work in our favour.’
Raith winger Chris Johnston clearly agrees, as he admits the Fifers will have their work cut out to keep Commons at bay today.
Johnston was a Kilmarnock youngster when he watched the now 33-year-old net a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory at Rugby Park two seasons ago and he said: ‘it just shows you how big a club Hibs are that they are able to sign somebody like Kris Commons, who is obviously a very good player.
‘We’ll be hoping to keep him quiet but that’s harder said than done. He picks up good positions, he has a good football brain and he can score goals.
‘You can’t really switch off for a second with players like that because they will punish you.’