“Off the boil”, “Run ragged” - National media hound Birmingham City star after international humbling

Birmingham City defender Grant Hanley has been heavily criticised following Scotland’s heavy 3-0 defeat to Greece in the UEFA Nations League.

Aston Villa captain and Scotland vice-skipper John McGinn labelled the performance “embarrassing” as Greece ran out rampant victors at Hampden Park. All the hard work to secure a 1-0 win and aggregate lead in Athens last week was undone as Scotland were torn to shreds on home turf just a few days later.

On paper, the game looked fairly even as Scotland had more of the ball and registered just two fewer shots than Greece’s 13, but the reality was far different. Steve Clarke’s side were lacklustre in possession as they rarely broke through the lines, while Greece were devastatingly clinical on the transition.

Goals from Giannis Konstantelias, Konstantinos Karetsas and Christos Tzolis were enough for the visitors to claim the win, securing promotion to the top tier of the Nations League. Scotland, on the other hand, will now swap places with Greece and drop down to the second division.

What did the Scottish media think of Hanley’s performance?

Hanley, signed by Birmingham from Norwich City in the winter transfer window, was unfortunately one of the worst performers. The 33-year-old is so often a reliable force for Scotland, and he started all eight of their 2024/25 Nations League outings, but he was done in time and time again by Greece’s agile and skilful attackers.

One moment - when Scotland were already 3-0 down - was particularly atrocious as Hanley missed the ball when trying to clear and let Vangelis Pavlidis goal-side, allowing the Greek striker a free shot at goal from merely six yards out. Fortunately for Hanley, Pavlidis saw his dinked shot heroically cleared off the line by Harry Souttar.

The Scottish national newspaper journalists, watching on with keen and critical eyes, certainly didn’t cut Hanley any slack, with three publications hounding the centre-back for his performance.

The Herald was the most generous of the trio, handing Hanley a 5/10 in its player ratings, explaining: “Limited minutes at club level perhaps came into the equation in a less impressive display in the second leg. Didn't put a foot wrong in Athens but was off the boil in Glasgow and sloppy in his play. He almost gifted Greece a fourth goal as he was robbed by Pavlidis in the box.”

The Scotsman wasn’t quite as forgiving, with a 4/10 dealt: “Made a good block before half-time, but was ran ragged by the Greek forward line, who were clinical in the box and punished Scotland's errors. Bailed out by Souttar to stop a fourth.”

Finally, the Edinburgh Evening News also gave Hanley a 4/10, pointing out: “A couple of shaky moments first-half and dragged out of position by Pavlidis on several occasions. Bailed out by Souttar after his failed attempt to shield the ball from Pavlidis midway through second half.”

Hanley and his international teammates will be desperate to put right their wrongs but they’ll have to wait quite some time as Scotland’s next fixtures - friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein - aren’t until June.