Grant Hanley withdraws from Scotland squad through hamstring injury
Norwich City captain Grant Hanley has withdrawn from the Scotland squad. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Norwich City defender Grant Hanley has withdrawn from the Scotland squad through injury.
The Canaries captain was expected to link up with the Tartan Army ahead of their crucial Euro 2020 play-off against Serbia in Belgrade after a two year absence from international football.
Hanley is missing due to a ‘minor hamstring complaint’ after City’s victory over Swansea City on Saturday. The club have not announced when he is expected to return or how long he will miss.
City were without Ben Gibson for their 1-0 win at the weekend and Christoph Zimmermann made his first start since October during the win.
The news of Hanley’s withdrawal was confirmed by Scotland coach Steven Reid, who revealed that Newcastle United winger Ryan Fraser had also pulled out of the squad.
Kenny McLean and Grant Hanley, right, keep a close eye on Swansea striker Andre Ayew Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
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Reid said: “Ryan and Grant Hanley at the moment are struggling.
“It’s disappointing. Grant has missed a little bit of football and unfortunately is not going to be with us, and Ryan as well,” Reid told STV News.
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“He performed really well in the past camp so that is a blow but we have got strength in depth. We have bigger numbers than usual in the squad and feel as if we have a squad which is capable of competing well.”
Hanley’s last appearance for Scotland came against Costa Rica in 2018, and the City defender admitted he was relishing the prospect of playing for his country again.
Hanley hasn't played for his country since 2018. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
“It feels like a long time since I’ve played for my country and that’s something you want to do, you want to play for your club and your country,” said Hanley after the goalless draw with Millwall last week.
“I’m just happy to get a run of games here at Norwich and I feel like I’m getting back up to speed. To get called up to my national team, I’m proud of that as well.”
As well as missing Thursday’s game at the Crvena Zvezda Stadium, Hanley will also be unavailable for Scotland’s Nations League fixtures away to Slovakia on Sunday and Israel on November 18.
Hanley will now remain in Norfolk and be assessed ahead of City’s trip to Middlesbrough.
