David Wotherspoon: Paul Hanlon deserved Scotland call

David Wotherspoon was thrilled to see his old Hibs colleague Paul Hanlon earn a maiden call-up to the full Scotland squad for last week's friendly against the Netherlands.
Paul Hanlon, right, chats to Eric BlackPaul Hanlon, right, chats to Eric Black
Paul Hanlon, right, chats to Eric Black

The 27-year-old pair came through the ranks at Easter Road and, after breaking into the first team, they both starred for Scotland U-21s.

“It was great news to see Paul get called up,” said Wotherspoon. “He recently moved round the corner from me, so I try and stay in touch with him, and I was absolutely delighted for him. We shared a room with Scotland Under-21s and went on a lot of trips together, so I’m glad he’s made it into the full squad. He’s a consistent player and has proven that over the last few years. He’s always had the quality and he’s been playing really well.”

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Wotherspoon and Hanlon were part of a highly-regarded Hibs youth team which spawned four current Premiership regulars. Partick Thistle pair Callum Booth and Sean Welsh were team-mates of Wotherspoon as Alistair Stevenson’s Under-19 side claimed a historic league and Youth Cup double in 2008/09, shortly after Hanlon had been promoted to the first team. “We had a great youth team,” said the St Johnstone midfielder. “Paul moved into the first team a bit quicker than us but the rest of us did the Youth Cup and the league double which was a great success. Kurtis Byrne is playing at a decent level with St Patrick’s in Ireland and there are a few playing lower league in Scotland. There were a few in that team that I thought would progress a bit further, but sometimes players just don’t get the luck or the run that others do. Personally, I feel very lucky to be in the situation I’m in.”