‘Best ever’ - Pundit heaps praise on Scotland star after ‘colossal' display vs Denmark
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(Credit: Getty Images, PLZ Soccer)
Oliver Walton
Sat 6 September 2025 14:08, UK
Tam McManus believes that one Scotland stalwart produced the finest showing of his international career as Steve Clarke’s side held Denmark to a 0-0 draw.
Scotland will have headed into their World Cup qualifying clash against the Danes on Friday (5 September) with cautious optimism, given the strength and pedigree of their opponents.
This away tie in Copenhagen was seen by many as the toughest test for Steve Clarke‘s side to overcome during the qualifying process, given their 21st-placed FIFA ranking, but they stood up to the test and came away with a valuable point.
The hosts dominated large periods of the game, finishing the clash with 74% possession and 16 shots on goal, but the visitors’ concentration did not wane once all evening and Scotland emerged with a 0-0 draw against Denmark.
Clarke praised his side’s defensive effort as “outstanding” following the game, and pundit Tam McManus picked out one player at the back who he believed stood out above the rest.
Credit: Getty Images
Scotland’s clean sheet against Denmark was earned by a terrific defensive showing, and Grant Hanley was a big part of that despite many fans questioning his ability to remain a starter for his country at 33-years-old.
The Hibernian centre-back ended the tie with five blocks, six clearances, five headed clearances, one interception and two recoveries, while he also won four of his five aerial duels [Fotmob].
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Former Hibs star and current pundit McManus took to X on Friday, after the game, to heap massive praise on Hanley’s showing, saying: “How good was this guy tonight?
Colossal performance and maybe his best ever in a Scotland jersey.
Solid,” alongside a picture of Hanley in a Scotland shirt.
Football Insider verdict
Scotland have been blessed with strong squads in recent years that have helped the country reach Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, but World Cup qualification has evaded them after they most recently lost to Ukraine in the 2022 qualifying play-off semi-finals.
This time around feels different, with a group consisting of Denmark, Greece and Belarus being one that should provide hope to those across the nation, especially after Friday’s valuable draw.
Scott McTominay was a revelation for Napoli last season after his move from Man United, while Aaron Hickey played excellently against Denmark after recently returning from a long injury lay-off, and other stars like John McGinn, Andy Robertson and Ryan Christie are all regulars in the Premier League, and even Europe for the former duo.
AppearancesGoalsAssists36134McTominay’s 2024/25 club stats
The only real question mark that Clarke will have right now is by his starting striker, with Lyndon Dykes failing to grab his chance against the Danes, but George Hirst may end up as his go-to man in that position if he helps fire Ipswich Town to promotion once again.
Scotland fans can certainly feel confident about their side’s chances ahead of next summer, and a first World Cup campaign since 1998 may well be looming if they continue playing like they did against Denmark.