Paul Hanlon and Ryan Jack named in Scotland squad to face Netherlands

Scotland interim manager Malky Mackay has unveiled his squad to face the Netherlands in next month's friendly at Pittodrie.
Paul Hanlon has been in fine form for Hibs, pictured here in action against Motherwell. Picture: SNS GroupPaul Hanlon has been in fine form for Hibs, pictured here in action against Motherwell. Picture: SNS Group
Paul Hanlon has been in fine form for Hibs, pictured here in action against Motherwell. Picture: SNS Group

Alongside expected call-ups for Ryan Jack and Jason Cummings, Hibernian defender Paul Hanlon is also named among the defenders.

Celtic captain Scott Brown is included in the squad despite reports he would only play on for the national team if Gordon Strachan was kept on as manager.

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Hibs centre back Hanlon is one of eight uncapped players in the squad alongside former Easter Road team-mate Cummings, Rangers midfielder Jack, Leeds United defender Liam Cooper, Millwall goalkeeper Jordan Archer, Celtic midfield duo Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie, on loan at Aberdeen, while Christie’s Pittodrie colleague Graeme Shinnie is also named among the midfielders.

McGregor was included in the Scotland squad to face Slovakia and Slovenia but was an unused substitute in both games, while Cooper and Archer have also been included in previous squads without making an appearance.

Aberdeen midfielder Kenny McLean is included after winning his first cap in the friendly with Denmark earlier this year while former Hearts right back Callum Paterson is also named in the squad after returning from a serious knee injury in December last year.

Announcing the squad, Mackay revealed that he had held talks with Brown and Darren Fletcher.

He said: “I’ve spoken to both players at length this week. I actually played with Darren a long time ago on both of our debuts for Scotland.

Ryan Jack has been included in the squad for the first time. Picture: SNS GroupRyan Jack has been included in the squad for the first time. Picture: SNS Group
Ryan Jack has been included in the squad for the first time. Picture: SNS Group

“My conversations with them have been very productive over the last couple of days and both have come into the squad. Longer term, that’s their decision what they want to do.

“At the moment both of them have made themselves available and that’s the key thing for me. They are two terrific professionals, two quality players and guys that can really help some of the younger ones around them.”

Scotland host the Netherlands at Pittodrie stadium on Thursday 9 November, kick-off at 7.45pm.

Full squad

Ryan Jack has been included in the squad for the first time. Picture: SNS GroupRyan Jack has been included in the squad for the first time. Picture: SNS Group
Ryan Jack has been included in the squad for the first time. Picture: SNS Group
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Goalkeepers: Jordan Archer (Millwall) Craig Gordon (Celtic), David Marshall (Hull City)

Defenders: Christophe Berra (Hearts), Liam Cooper (Leeds United), Paul Hanlon (Hibs), Charlie Mulgrew (Blackburn Rovers), Callum Paterson (Cardiff City), Andrew Robertson (Liverpool), Kieran Tierney (Celtic)

Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong (Celtic), Scott Brown (Celtic), Darren Fletcher (Stoke City), James Forrest (Celtic), Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth), Ryan Jack (Rangers), John McGinn (Hibs), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Kenny McLean (Aberdeen), Matt Phillips (West Brom), Graeme Shinnie (Aberdeen), Ryan Christie (Aberdeen, on loan from Celtic)

Forwards: Jason Cummings (Nottingham Forest), Leigh Griffiths (Celtic)