Newcastle United signed Grant Hanley from Blackburn Rovers last summer.
Grant Hanley has admitted to Newcastle United’s official website that he is finding it difficult to break into Rafael Benitez’s starting line-up.
Hanley joined Newcastle from Blackburn Rovers, but he has failed to become a regular starter at St. James’ Park.
With Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark seemingly ahead of Hanley in the pecking order, the Scottish international has mostly had to be happy with a place on the substitutes’ bench.
Hanley was given a rare start in Newcastle’s 6-0 win against Preston North End on Tuesday evening, though, and the powerful centre-back was pleased to be given a chance to impress.
“It’s pleasing to keep another clean sheet – as a centre-half, that’s your job, first and foremost,” he said. “The lads are doing well at the moment, so it’s difficult to ease your way into the side.
“But, I’ve been in this situation before and you just have to knuckle down and keep working hard in training, and keep working hard when you get a chance on the pitch. And hopefully, another opportunity will come.”
Newcastle’s win over Preston was highly impressive, as they were never troubled by Simon Grayson’s men.
The Magpies strolled to success to make it into the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup, where they will now play Hull City at the KC Stadium.
Newcastle’s next match comes against Preston at Deepdale on Saturday, and Hanley looks likely to drop back to the bench for the tie in Lancashire.
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