Grant Hanley has described his 15-year Scotland career as containing more lows than highs, but insists the upcoming World Cup makes everything worth it.
The 34-year-old defender, who made his international debut under Craig Levein in 2011, has endured injury setbacks and a three-year absence from the squad between 2018 and 2021.
When asked how he had changed over 15 years, Hanley’s response was characteristically understated, simply saying: “I’m older and more crabbit.”
The Hibs man has now accumulated 66 caps and been part of three major tournament squads, playing every game at Euro 2020 before defying medics to feature at Euro 2024 in Germany.
Now, the grizzled centre-back is preparing to experience the pinnacle of international football at a World Cup in America next month.
Ahead of Saturday’s send-off game against Curacao at Hampden, Hanley reflected honestly on the difficult periods he has navigated throughout his career.
He said: “Throughout the course of my career, there’s been more lows than highs, if I’m being honest.”
“When you get to stages like this, when a World Cup is on the horizon, that’s what makes it all worth it,” he added, acknowledging the journey required to reach this point.
Hanley was just six years old and growing up in Dumfries the last time Scotland appeared at a World Cup in France in 1998, making this moment particularly significant for him personally.
He said: “I don’t really remember a lot about France 98 – but it is probably my earliest memory of football.”
“It’s been a long time coming. When you start playing football, this is the goal – to be involved in a World Cup,” he continued, acknowledging that many talented Scotland players before him never achieved the same opportunity.
Hanley was candid about the moments of doubt he experienced along the way, admitting: “Did I think it wouldn’t happen for me? Definitely.”
“There have been some tough, testing periods along the way but having opportunities like this really makes it worth it,” he said, emphasising the resilience required to reach this stage.
Looking ahead to Scotland’s Group C clashes with Haiti, Morocco and Brazil, Hanley is confident the squad is better prepared than they were at Euro 2024 in Germany two years ago.
He said: “The manager has clearly tried to build a squad that’s cap-heavy,” pointing to the collective experience now available across the dressing room.
Hanley also highlighted that several squad members are now competing regularly at Champions League and Premier League level, giving Scotland significant quality to draw upon in America.
“So, in our dressing room now there’s a lot of experience to draw on,” he said, as Scotland bid to reach the knockout phase of a major tournament for the first time in their history.
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