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WILLIE Miller admits he is ‘worried’ by Scotland’s central defensive pairing – but fears they could be the best available to Gordon Strachan.
Russell Martin and Grant Hanley were again paired at the heart of the home rearguard for Saturday night’s 1-1 draw with Lithuania, but were found wanting at Fedor Cernych’s second-half strike.
Hanley in particular did not cover himself in glory as he was drawn towards the ball and failed to match Cernych’s run.
The Newcastle United stopper did play a part in James McArthur’s equaliser, flicking on Callum Paterson’s long throw-in.
But Miller, who made 65 appearances for Scotland in central defence, is concerned by the duo’s shortcomings.
He told the BBC: “Hanley made his presence felt in the Lithuania penalty area but struggled defensively.
“Does he get an extra point for the flick-on for the goal? Probably. He doesn’t rate at all highly for his defensive qualities though.
“Hanley and Martin worry you, but is there better out there? That’s the question.
“The Lithuania goal came right down the middle and the centre-halves had a big part to play in that. It was well worked, but the finger has to be pointed at the centre-backs.”
