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New signing Grant Hanley ready to be thrown straight into action for Norwich City in Birmingham clash
Grant Hanley is Scotland team-mates with Russell Martin and Steven Naismith. Picture: PA - Credit: PA Archive/PA Images
New signing Grant Hanley is fit and ready for action if Norwich City need him against Birmingham on Saturday.
The 25-year-old was signed from Newcastle on the penultimate day of the transfer window in a deal reportedly worth around £2million, potentially rising above £3m with add-ons.
The former Blackburn skipper brings plenty of Championship experience and defensive strength with him but has played just twice this season, as Newcastle were beaten 3-2 by Nottingham Forest after extra-time in the League Cup and much of the second half as Scotland beat Malta 2-0 on Monday.
“I’ve only had a couple of days here but as a player you’ve got to be ready and you’ve got to be mentally ready for any situation,” the Scot said ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Birmingham.
“We’re professionals at the end of the day, so you try and stay professional and whenever I’m called upon I’ll be ready.”
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Playing regularly is the focus for the big centre-back now, after playing a bit-part in Newcastle’s title-winning Championship season after his £6m switch from Blackburn, starting just five league games.
“It’s something I’ve been desperate for for a while, it’s a chance to get back out on the pitch and to get some game time,” Hanley continued.
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“In the past I’ve been used to playing week in, week out, and I know coming to a club like this, like going to Newcastle, there’s great players in every position and it’s competitive in every position, but that’s what you want as a player.
“So I’m looking forward to that challenge of trying to get myself in the team and get some game time.”
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With Scotland team-mates Russell Martin and Steven Naismith on hand to help him settle in, the decision to move to Norfolk was an easy one.
“In football you have to make decisions and you have to live by them,” he added. “But in saying that, I don’t think I have any regrets.
“Obviously Newcastle didn’t work out for me but I’ve got no regrets, you’ve got to pick your best option at the time and Norwich was that option for me, with a great manager who’s looking to move forward.”
