MISERY & MYSTERY

Hanley at a loss to explain reason for Scots meltdown

- By Fraser Wilson

GRANT HANLEY knows better than most that a lengthy Scotland career demands an ability to roll with the punches.

Over the past 14 years he’s dished out his fair share of bloody noses with the national team — but the big defender has suffered a good few brutal put downs too.

If thumping wins against international heavyweights like Spain and reaching back-to-back Euros were the highs, then failing to land a blow at both competitions and being dumped by Ukraine in a World Cup play-off were crushing lows.

Sunday night was another of those agonising whacks back to reality.

Scotland were battered by Greece in front of their own expectant fans. And Hanley’s face as he emerged from the dressing room confirmed the players felt it every bit as sorely as the Tartan Army.

With half the job done in the Nations League play-off after a single goal victory in Piraeus, Steve Clarke’s side were expected to finish Ivan Jovanovic’s side in style and deliver a thumping statement ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.