Pet Corner: Kirsty Hanson

Aston Villa forward and Scotland international Kirsty Hanson introduces her working cocker spaniel Hugo for this issue’s Pet Corner. Hanson describes Hugo’s football skills and boundless energy – comparing him in playing terms to Villa teammate-turned-Rangers loanee Olivia McLoughlin – along with his obedience tricks, his chicken-and-rice ‘pre-match meal’, and the comfort he provides after tough days, including in the aftermath of a red card against Manchester United. She also touches on Villa teammates’ own pets, including Rachel Daly’s dog Dexi and Lucy Staniforth’s Ivy, and names Simone Magill as the teammate she would trust most to dog-sit Hugo while she is away on international duty with Scotland.