Hibs’ defender Paul Hanlon made his debut for Scotland last night in a memorable victory over the Czech Republic at Hampden Park.
Former team mate John McGinn was given the captain’s armband due to the absence of Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and the midfielder produced another outstanding performance from start to finish.
An early goal from Ryan Fraser sealed the victory Hampden as Scotland continue to top their Nations League group and extend their unbeaten run to eight, their best since the days of Andy Roxburgh in the 1980s.
The Czechs spurned three golden opportunities and at the other end Ryan Fraser was unfortunate not to bag a hat-trick with Oli McBurnie also hitting the crossbar.
Hanlon came on in the 79th minute replacing Greg Taylor and played his part in defending the narrow lead.
Scotland now sit four points clear in the Nations League with the EURO 2020 Play-Off Final against Serbia beckoning next month.
Their next challenge is their biggest match in two decades. On Thursday, 12 November, Scotland have the chance to return to a major tournament as they take on Serbia away from home.
They will then remain on foreign shores for matches against Slovakia and Israel as they aim to top their Nations League group which would aid qualification hopes for World Cup 2022 with the chance of a play-off up for grabs.
Teams
Scotland: Marshall, McTominay, Gallagher, Considine, O’Donnell, Jack, McGregor, Taylor (Hanlon, 79), John McGinn (Paterson, 79), Dykes (McBurnie 64), Fraser (McLean, 69)
Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, Robby McCrorie, Porteous, Ross McCrorie, Paul McGinn
Czech Republic: Vaclik, Boril, Celustka (Hovorka, 20), Kudel, Coufal, Kral (Kaderabek, 77), Soucek, Provod (Sevcik, 65), Darida, Masopust (Poznar, 65), Vydra (Rabusic, 77)
Used substitutes: Nguyen, Koubek, Petrasek, Sacek, Mateju, Malinsky, Novak
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
