Scotland head coach Steve Clarke believes Norwich City captain Grant Hanley is one of his ‘most consistent’ international players after a run of fine performances.
The Norwich City centre-back has emerged as a key figure in Clarke’s 3-5-2 system and has shone during 2021 international matches in particular. Much of his work has flown under the radar but Clarke has given Hanley a vote of confidence.
He said: “I think Grant has always been a good centre-back. Obviously when you are a young defender you can be a little bit more rash. He has grown into his game, he is a more mature player. I have always liked Grant as a player, even as a youngster you could see the qualities that he had.
“You knew he would develop and become better and better as he got more experience. In recent games for Scotland I think he has probably been our most consistent player. Not many people have mentioned it, but losing Grant in the game against Croatia (at Euro 2020) was a big factor in the game.
“We lost that big rock at the back, that steadying influence. He is a great lad, a great trainer, he doesn’t cause one bit of trouble. He comes in and everybody respects him in the group just because of the way he conducts himself. He has been a big plus for us.”
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