Hanley played the full 90 minutes as Scotland were soundly beaten by Slovakia.
Scotland’s Grant Hanley
Scotland’s bid to reach the 2018 World Cup in Russia was dealt a blow last night as they were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Slovakia in Trnava.
Robert Mak scored twice for the home side while Adam Nemec headed home to round off the scoring in what has been a dreadfully disappointing international break for Gordon Strachan’s side.
Scotland’s Grant Hanley and Chris Martin look dejected after the match
Prior to this defeat, they needed a late James McArthur header to salvage a point at home to Lithuania. Their latest defeat means they have dropped to fourth Group F with four points from their opening three games.
There was plenty of representation from the English leagues in among the Scotland side, while Newcastle fans will have had an eye on the game with Grant Hanley and Matt Ritchie in action. Ritchie was withdrawn just after the hour mark while Hanley was given the full 90 minutes.
Newcastle United’s Grant Hanley celebrates scoring their sixth goal
Ritchie has been a regular in the Newcastle first team this season, in contrast to Hanley who has struggled to force his way into the side having made just the one start in the Championship so far this season.
Judging by some of the comments on his display – Newcastle fans were not surprised both with his performance for Scotland, and that he isn’t impressing Rafa Benitez enough on Tyneside to get more regular game time.
Here is a selection of what was said:
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