BLACKBURN Rovers captain Grant Hanley is a Scotland skipper in the making.

That is the view of Gary Bowyer ahead of tonight’s Battle of Britain between the Scots and their old foes England.

And Rovers boss Bowyer has also revealed that Hanley has been playing through the pain barrier this season.

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The centre back was forced to miss Scotland’s draw with Poland last month because of a knee injury.

But after overcoming the problem Hanley has produced some of his best performances of the campaign for Rovers.

And on Friday he helped Scotland to a vital victory over Republic of Ireland that boosted their chances of making Euro 2016.

Gordon Strachan’s side will look to follow up that famous win with another this evening when they welcome England to Celtic Park.

And Hanley will go into the hotly anticipated friendly with the backing of Bowyer to become the captain of his country, as well as his club, in the years to come.

“Grant’s getting fantastic experience playing for his country and for me, the faith that Gordon Strachan is showing in him at international level, at the age he is, is credit to him and his family,” said Bowyer, who handed Hanley the Rovers armband in January after Scott Dann was sold to Crystal Palace.

“And the club and his family will not be letting Grant get carried away or let him rest on his laurels.

“We want him to get even better and, if he does, I can see him being Scotland captain in the future.

“I think it will definitely happen as long as he continues to work as hard as he does and looks after himself as he does.”

Hanley, who turns 23 on Thursday, has missed just two of Rovers’ 17 Championship matches so far this season.

But Bowyer admits that number could have been higher.

He said: “Up until the previous international break Grant was playing with a niggling injury but he didn’t want to miss out so he was playing through pain.

“It was when he had to withdraw from Scotland that I knew there was a problem because he’s not one to miss games light-heartedly.

“But he rested it, missed a couple of games, and since he’s come back, he’s been back to the high standards that he’s set himself.

“His performances levels have been very good, especially at Brighton last time out, where I thought he was excellent.

“He’s just about to turn 23, so for him to be our captain and for him to be doing well for us and Scotland, we’re delighted.”

Bowyer is busy preparing his squad – minus Hanley – for Saturday’s big Roses showdown with Leeds United at Ewood Park.

But he will certainly be taking in tonight’s grudge clash – either at home or even at Celtic Park.

“I think England-Scotland games are brilliant and I’m glad the fixture is on the calendar,” said Bowyer.

“It’s great that it’s at Celtic as well. It’s a fantastic club and a fantastic ground.

“Celtic is my team up in Scotland so I might try and get a ticket off Grant!”