'Hard work pays off' - Fans react as Hibs defender Paul Hanlon makes Scotland debut

Hibs defender Paul Hanlon made his Scotland debut at the age of 30, eight years after winning his last Under-21 cap, when he came on as a late substitute in the 1-0 UEFA Nations League win against the Czech Republic.

By Patrick McPartlin

Published 14th Oct 2020, 22:44 BST- 1 min read

Paul Hanlon comes on for his Scotland debut

The Easter Road stalwart played the last ten-or-so minutes and helped the national team post a third consecutive clean sheet as they held on for a narrow victory.

Despite a series of strong displays for Hibs in the past few years, Hanlon’s only previous involvement with the senior team was as an unused substitute in a friendly against the Netherlands at Pittodrie in November 2017.

Many Hibs supporters had plenty to say on the number four finally making his international bow but there were also comments from non-Hibs fans too.

Malcolm Robertson tweeted: "Pleased to see Paul Hanlon winning his first cap for Scotland. Great young man and an example to the young team. Hard work pays off."

Former Hibs physio Colin McLelland wrote: "Always been a hard working, dedicated and humble lad. Absolutely delighted for him and well deserved recognition!"

Ian Mackintosh added: "A well-deserved honour."

Former Hibs defender Francis Dickoh sent his support: "Hanlon!! You’ve come a long way buddy.. Huge congrats!"

Richard Campbell tweeted: "Truly well deserved and a credit to Jack Ross for having so many internationalists in the team."

Angela Bell said: "Just brilliant!! So proud of the lad who was in my English class."

Stephen-Andrew Dunn declared: "Should have been in the set up YEARS ago."

Christopher Black added: "Well overdue."

Tommy Kane wrote: "Great to see but it’s outrageous he hasn’t won a cap before now."