Hibs defender Grant Hanley fully appreciative of potential World Cup opportunity with Scotland

Scotland defender Grant Hanley will fully appreciate the World Cup opportunity that lies ahead after pushing himself through difficult times in his career.

The 33-year-old looks likely to start in Greece on Saturday as Scotland seek the point they need to ensure a winner-takes-all qualifier against Denmark at Hampden, three days later.

The centre-back made his 11th start for Hibernian in the 3-0 weekend win over St Mirren and goes into the double-header in the rhythm of first-team football.

That has not always been the case for Hanley, who missed much of 2023 after rupturing his Achilles and made a total of 14 starts for Norwich and Birmingham over the course of the past two seasons.

The Dumfries-born defender said: “As a professional, you make sure you’re prepared as best you can be. I wouldn’t say I was going into it feeling any different than I have previously because I always did as much as I could to get myself right.

“It’s probably the longest run of games since I ruptured my Achilles two-and-a-half years ago, which is clearly a positive.

“After an injury like that, at the age I was, it’s difficult to get yourself going.

“There’s been some difficult moments. Moments that have been really difficult to push through.

“But here and now, I’m so glad I did because we picked up a positive result on Saturday, I’m really enjoying my football and I’m playing regularly for a couple of massive teams.

“It means a lot to come up and play in a country that I’ve been called up for. The plan was to come and play for a massive club – which I’m doing – and also keep my international career going. So far, so good.

“It was obviously a big part of coming to a club like this. But the reality is, you’ve got to get yourself on the pitch, you’ve got to get minutes and you’ve got to play well. Otherwise, the national team wouldn’t be a thing.

“There’s too many good players trying to get your place. But it’s going to plan so far. It’s up to me to keep performances up and stay fit and hopefully that can last as long as possible.”

Hanley will not take anything for granted.

“I’m more than aware what football’s like,” the former Blackburn and Newcastle player added.

“I’ve had enough tough moments and periods where it’s been difficult. I know it’s important to keep yourself level. I don’t think too far ahead of myself.

“It’s about the fine details that go into it every day that are so important. It’s stuff I’ve picked up and learned along the way. Keep doing things as well as I can on and off the pitch and, hopefully stay involved.

“There was a period of time this summer where I was out of contract and there were days where you’re going running yourself.

“It takes real grit and determination to take yourself through that and put yourself in a position where you’re fit enough to come in to a team where the competition’s so high in every position. That’s the reason you work so hard.”