Scotland stalwart ends 161 day wait as ex-Rangers trio help club edge towards dream domestic double

Last night the 59-cap Scotland international got back on track.

Grant Hanley, a Scotland international, helped new side Birmingham City get one step closer to a spectacular domestic double Friday night, therefore ending a 161-day wait for a start.

After eight years at Carrow Road, the 33-year-old left Norwich City to sign for the EFL League One league leaders last month. He was given a first start for his new team as they narrowly defeated Stevenage 1-0 in the EFL Trophy quarterfinal via an 83rd minute Jay Stansfield goal.

Starting for a club since August 27, the seasoned defender accumulated 69 minutes for the Blues and performed effectively, providing a great recovery challenge to assist defensive partner Christoph Klarer, who had been beaten by Jake Young in the first half.

Following the arrival of the midfielder on loan from Rangers last week, fellow new transfer Kieran Dowell was also granted his second Birmingham start; ormer teammate Scott Wright was also given a rare starting slot at Lamex Stadium. Late substitute for Scotland was international Lyndon Dykes.

But it was former Rangers and Hearts young player Marc Leonard who turned out to be crucial for Birmingham’s match winner with a great ball to aid Stansfield’s winner, forcing head coach Chris Davies to highlight the Scottish midfielder specifically for accolades.

“The first thing is to see it, then decide to do it, and then second is to be able to execute it technically,” said the Birmingham manager. “He recognized the opening at the correct moment; the weight of pass had to be exact, the ball spun on his pass. It was a goal with qualities. The Midlands outfit are now into the semi final of the EFL Trophy competition and just two games away from a Wembley showcase, and are four points clear at the top of EFL League One as they edge closer to their dream of a domestic double.

The return to action of Hanley will be a relief to Scotland head coach Steve Clarke, who had kept faith with the Dumfries born defender for last year’s Nations League fixtures against Portugal, Poland and Czech Republic despite his lack of game time. However, with the ex-Blackburn Rovers man playing just 76 minutes of football team football for Norwich, there was concerns over his match fitness heading into next month’s Nations League playoff with Greece prior to his move.

The return to action of Hanley will be a relief to Scotland head coach Steve Clarke, who had kept faith with the Dumfries born defender for last year’s Nations League fixtures against Portugal, Poland and Czech Republic despite his lack of game time. However, with the ex-Blackburn Rovers man playing just 76 minutes of football team football for Norwich, there was concerns over his match fitness heading into next month’s Nations League playoff with Greece prior to his move.