HIBERNIAN centre-back Paul Hanlon is determined to prove himself at the top level after receiving his maiden international call-up.
Hanlon was included in Malky Mackay’s 24-man squad to take on Holland in November, one of eight uncapped players named following Scotland’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
The 27-year-old has been an ever-present this season and has often captained Hibs in what has been an impressive return to the Scottish top flight.
He is eager to take his chance under Mackay, who praised the defender’s leadership qualities.
“I see it as a chance to prove that I’m good enough at this level,” he told HibsTV ahead of their Ladbrokes Premiership trip to Kilmarnock tonight.
“If I get a chance to play, I’ll be delighted but it’s not just a case of turning up; I want to make an impression and prove to people that I belong at that level.
“I think if you do well then you’ve got a chance to be involved in campaigns coming up.”
He added that while he was surprised at his inclusion, he was confident he could hold his own on the international stage.
He said: “When people say things like ‘you should be in’, there’s always a part of you thinks ‘I could do a job’, there’s no doubt about that.
“I’m confident in my own ability, but in terms of looking at the players in the squad, I was surprised to be in it.”
Hanlon will be no stranger to international camps however, having often been part of – and captaining – Scotland’s age-group sides.
He won 23 caps for the under-21s before Hibs’ relegation to the Championship coincided with him falling off the radar of former manager Gordon Strachan.
John McGinn was also included in Mackay’s squad, and Hanlon admits the standard of Premiership football has helped them.
He said: “I think it’s helped by playing against a better standard of opposition – no disrespect to the Championship – but it’s where Hibs should be, fighting at that top end.
“I think it definitely helps.”
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