Steve Clarke has announced his Scotland squad for next month’s European qualifiers against Belgium and Russia.
His side currently sit in fourth place in their Euro 2020 qualifier group, following two wins and two defeats. The two Hampden clashes will provide stern tests for Clarke.
He has welcomed the likes of Robert Snodgrass into the squad, but Grant Hanley receiving a call-up has been criticised by some Scotland fans.
Some have reacted to the Norwich City defender’s inclusion.
https://twitter.com/BenNicol23/status/1166337478372012032
Hanley inclusion in Scotland squad is somewhat understandable
Hanley has made 30 appearances for Scotland (Transfermarkt). He has been criticised recently though for an error whilst playing for the Canaries.
After losing his bearings for a split second, Tammy Abraham brushed past him to net in a 3-2 Chelsea win.
He had a particularly bad patch at Newcastle, where some fans were left unimpressed on occasion with his performances.
Now he is back in the Scotland squad. When young options like Craig Halkett, Liam Lindsay and Stuart Findlay were all available, the reason for picking Hanley have to be questioned.
Perhaps it’s his experience that has helped him. With 30 caps to his name, he has more knowledge of what it takes to play for Scotland than the likes of Halkett and Lindsay.
He is also a Premier League captain. Perhaps Clarke is looking for him to provide leadership at the back. Against the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard though, how will the Canaries captain cope?
Some fans certainly don’t seem happy with his inclusion and it’s up to the man himself to prove them wrong.