Newcastle centre back Grant Hanley is keen to get more game time with the Magpies this season, but he knows that competition within the squad will mean he will have to earn his starting place.
The Scottish international has only started three matches since his arrival from Blackburn Rovers in the summer for £5.5million with Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark currently the preferred centre half pairing for Rafa Benitez. Talking to the Evening Chronicle, the former Rovers captain said:
“We have a big squad and have players who are itching to play. It’s good and competitive. The lads have done well so far so hopefully, we can carry it on.”
Hanley made his debut for the Magpies on the opening day of the season in the 1-0 defeat against Fulham. The 24 year old has been restricted to substitute appearances in the league since then, although he has started in both ties in the EFL Cup so far this campaign, in the wins against Cheltenham Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers. No doubt Hanley will be keen to take advantage of Benitez’s rotation policy in the coming months in order to press his claims for more regular first team action.
