Exclusive:Hibs ace Hanley's 'stellar' response to Scotland SOS hailed as key factor in Steve Clarke's World Cup miracle
Promoted from the bench as Rangers defender limped out of warm-up, former Blackburn and Newcastle star rose to occasion at Hampden
Hibs star Grant Hanley’s “stellar performance” was a crucial factor in Scotland’s incredible World Cup return after 27 years in the wilderness, according to David Gray. And the veteran defender’s club boss insists no-one should have been surprised to see the proven international respond to a late battlefield promotion, jumping from a place on the bench to start in last night’s action-packed 4-2 win over Denmark at Hampden, with a dominant showing.
Hanley was drafted into the starting XI after Rangers defender John Souttar, who had partnered the Hibs centre-half in the weekend loss to Greece in Athens, pulled out injured during the warm-up at the national stadium last night. Given next to no time to prepare, Hanley slotted in alongside Scott McKenna in a rejigged back four – and performed with distinction despite the Scots conceding twice on a manic night at Hampden.
The 33-year-old won more defensive headers – finishing the game with a 100 per cent record in aerial duels - and made more clearances than any other Scotland player, as well as chipping in with a healthy haul of interceptions and blocks as Steve Clarke’s men just managed to keep the Danes at bay when it mattered. Signed as a free agent on a one-year deal in the summer, the Hibs stalwart admits that part of his motivation for moving to Easter Road was a desire to keep himself in and around the Scotland squad.
And Hibs boss David Gray, for one, had no doubts that the big man would rise to the occasion, saying: “No, I wasn’t surprised to see him winning so many important challenges, not at all. That’s down to his professionalism, the level he's played at.
“It doesn't happen by accident at all; that's something that he's proven throughout his whole career. And defensively right to the very end of the game, he has two big headers at the end of the game, a lot of clearances at the end, when Denmark are throwing everything at it.
“That is certainly something you want to have in your back line, when you've got something to hold on to. But even just throughout the game, I thought he was excellent in the game, having to deal with a very good striker in Rasmus Hojland, who's in form at the moment. I thought both centre-halves did well against him.
Former Blackburn and Newcastle defender’s last chance of World Cup glory
“I'm delighted for him at this stage of his career as well. Not speaking out of turn, but I think Grant would probably admit that it's probably the last chance to go to the World Cup.
“He probably came to Hibs to make sure he could pursue that opportunity, that dream of going to the World Cup. And thankfully he's been playing for us, playing to a very good level, which has kept him in the Scotland set-up.
“And then he goes in and does what he has done for his whole Scotland career. Which is never let anybody down, and puts in a stellar performance, and they get what they deserve.”
Defender jumped from sub to starter for Hibs
Addressing Hanley’s ability to switch from substitute to starter at short notice, Gray said: “I think it's the old adage, you should always tell yourself that anything can happen. So when you maybe have the disappointment of not playing, it's a conversation I have with players all the time, it's like: ‘Make sure you're ready, though.’
“Because you never know what can happen. Somebody can get ill, somebody can get injured in the warm-up. It just shows the level of professionalism he has, that he is ready, he always says: ‘I'll be ready.’
“I remember having the conversation with him a few weeks ago, where he wasn't due to start against someone for us. He ended up coming in against Celtic, and took his opportunity.
“So again last night, classic example of that, being ready. And he certainly didn't let anybody down, he was fantastic last night, I thought. Everybody was in the end when you look at it, because of the result. I'm delighted for him, delighted for everybody involved in the country.”
With a place in Canada, Mexico and the USA now the prize for remaining part of Clarke’s plans, former Blackburn, Newcastle, Norwich and Birmingham City regular Hanley will not lack for drive as he looks to retain his place in the Hibs starting XI.
Clarke, meanwhile, hailed “outstanding” Hanley for his performance – and revealed that the defender had offered an unnecessary apology after an uncharacteristically loose performance in Athens, the Scotland boss explaining: “Grant apologised for the game in Greece. I said you don’t have to apologise to me ever, because I know every time you go to the pitch you give everything.”