‘Much better’ – Scotland defender given 9/10, but more needed from John McGinn

Grant Hanley was Scotland’s main man in their 1-1 draw against Switzerland as he expertly filled in for the suspended Ryan Porteous.

The 32-year-old was brought back into the starting XI on Wednesday night for the Group A clash with Watford defender Porteous unavailable after his horror red card.

And he proved to be a rock at the back as Steve Clarke‘s men kept their dreams of qualifying for the knockout stage of the European Championship alive with Scott McTominay‘s goal earning them a share of the spoils.

In what is their fourth Euros, Scotland have been eliminated at the group stage on every occasion.

But victory over Hungary on Sunday would likely see them advance into the last 16 – and they have proved they have the quality to do so.

talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham has rated and slated Scotland as he has given his player ratings live from Germany.

And the scores are notably higher compared to their opening defeat against Germany, as he declared Scotland were ‘much better’.

‘A leader of men’

Slotting in the heart of Scotland’s back five, it was Hanley who marshalled the defence to reduce Switzerland to scraps for the majority of the game.

He certainly didn’t look like a player that only appeared in eight Championship matched in the 2023/24 season.

And he was unlucky not to score the winner after his header in the 65th minute cannoned off the post.

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Awarding Hanley a mighty 9/10, Durham said: “Hanley, how did Steve Clarke think it was a good idea to leave him out last Friday

“May not have any silky skills, but he’s a leader of men, aggressive in both boxes.”

‘Didn’t get involved’

Aston Villa captain John McGinn may be the name on the lips of Every Scotland fan in Germany, but he struggled to assert himself against Switzerland.

And he was often a passenger at times, the opposite of Brighton midfielder Billy Gilmour – rated 7/10 – who was always looking for the ball.

While the ex-Chelsea starlet ‘proved why he should’ve started against Germany’, McGinn may left feeling disappointed by his lack of involvement.

Given a 5/10, Durham stated: “Didn’t get involved in the game anywhere near enough.”

But that rating is still five times better than what he managed in the 5-1 defeat against the host nation last Friday night.

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‘Stepped up’

Manchester United midfielder McTominay was Scotland’s main man during their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign – scoring seven goals.

And he finally showed his qualities at Euro 2024, where he finished off a swift counter-attack, albeit through a fortuitous deflection off Newcastle’s Fabian Schar.

Clarke will be hoping for more of his late bursts into the box if Scotland are to have any chance of progressing into the knockouts.

Rated as an 8/10, Durham remarked: “Credited with the goal.

“Nearly scored with a second half volley, stepped up in this game.”

Adrian Durham’s Scotland player ratings

Angus Gunn – 7/10

Anthony Ralston – 5/10

Jack Hendry – 7/10

Grant Hanley – 9/10

Kieran Tierney – 6/10

Andy Robertson – 7/10

Billy Gilmour – 7/10

Callum McGregor – 7/10

John McGinn – 5/10

Scott McTominay – 8/10

Che Adams – 6/10

SUBS

Scott McKenna – 6/10

Ryan Christie – N/A

Lawrence Shankland – N/A

Kenny McClean – N/A

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