He joined Newcastle United from Blackburn Rovers in the summer but Scottish international Grant Hanley has admitted he’s found his bit-part role difficult, report HITC.
Starting the Magpies 6-0 rout of Preston North End in the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening, this was a rare start for Hanley who has frequently been a substitute in the Championship.
Speaking to the official Newcastle United website, Hanley claimed: “I’ve been in this situation before and you just have to knuckle down and keep working hard in training, and keep working hard when you get a chance on the pitch.
“And hopefully, another opportunity will come.”
Rafael Benitez has tended to pair Magpies captain Jamaal Lascelles with Ciaran Clark for the most part this season with 26-cap Scottish international Hanley representing experienced back-up.
Making Newcastle United’s Championship matchday squad on eight occasions so far this term, Hanley has only started one of those games against Fulham back in August.
Benitez’s side face Preston North End for a second time in a week when the Toon Army travel to Deepdale at the weekend but Newcastle United are expected to pair Lascelles with Clark once again.