Hibs defender Paul Hanlon told 'be ready' for future call-ups after earning first Scotland cap

Hibs defender Paul Hanlon has been told to remain on stand-by for future call-ups after making his Scotland debut in the 1-0 win over the Czech Republic at Hampden on Wednesday night.

The 30-year-old, called up as a late addition to join Easter Road team mates Ryan Porteous and Paul McGinn in the squad, was introduced with around 10 minutes remaining of the Nations League victory that moved Scotland move four points clear at the top of Group B2.

The momentous occasion capped off a strong start to the domestic season for Hibs' long-serving centre-half, who has been a solid presence in the Leith side's climb to third place in the Premiership standings after 10 games.

Hanlon was one of a number of late call-ups due to a spate of injuries and Covid-19 call-offs, and Scotland boss Steve Clarke has told the fringe players they will need to be ready to be called upon again ahead of the Euro 2020 play-off final in Serbia next month.

Paul Hanlon makes his Scotland debut during the Nations League match against Czech Republic at Hampden Park, on October 14 2020 (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

He said: "I need to mention the boys who have come in to join us. Andy Considine was great next to Declan (Gallagher) and Scott (McTominay). It was nice for Paul Hanlon to get his first cap at 31 too.

"I said to the players in the dressing room, 'Everyone has to be ready'.

"I said, 'When you go back to your clubs tell your mates they have to be ready too'.

"You never know in this period, when the virus could hit you at any time, so they all have to be ready."

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