ALL PART OF THE SERVICE
UNDER-21s AGENT OF MARVEL
BY SCOTT McDERMOTT IT doesn’t take long for Ryan Porteous to find the most famous name in his contacts list.
After all, how many people can drop a text to Sir Andy Murray whenever they need a bit of advice?
But that’s now a reality for the 19-year-old Hibs stopper who boasts Scotland’s greatest sportsman as his agent.
Porteous and fellow Easter Road kid Fraser Murray are the first footballers on the books of the tennis icon’s 77 Sports Management company.
And Porteous, who will play for Scotland’s Under-21s in their Toulon opener against Togo tomorrow, said: “I’ve had a few chats with him via text. I’ve spoken to him and his team. It has been positive.
“What he’s doing for young talent through the agency is brilliant.
“And for me it’s surreal. I watched Andy growing up. Every Scottish person sees him as an inspiration.
“You never thought a Scot would go and win Wimbledon. So he’s a great role model to have.
“I probably wouldn’t text for advice just yet. When he’s fully recovered from injury, he’ll still be one of the world’s best players. But I will do it down the line, once I meet him in person and have a good chat.
“That’s something Andy wants to bring on board. Where you can ask him questions, not just about stuff on the park but diet and lifestyle.”
Porteous is living out his dream, playing for Hibs and Scotland.
As a supporter, he shared the agony with Easter Road fans when the club dropped into the Championship.
But now he’s set to become a key part of Neil Lennon’s side as they establish themselves at the top end of the Premiership.
He said: “It’s strange for me hearing Hibs fans cheering me. It’s mental. That was me, not even two years ago, in the Championship going to grounds like Alloa. “Watching them play there, to now playing for them at Ibrox in front of 50,000 is a bit surreal. “I can still see myself at Alloa singing for big Dom Malonga. King Dom! “I was a supporter when we lost the play-off to Hamilton on penalties.
“I’d been winding up my Hearts pals about having a relegation party then we went down too!
“Ultimately it has been the best thing for Hibs. We’re in a better place now than when we went down.”
Porteous never let Lennon down whenever called upon last term, including in a win at Ibrox.
That experience has done him the world of good as he prepares to represent the Scots in France.
He said: “It’s different going away with Scotland as the boys aren’t used to playing with each other.
“But it should be a learning curve for everyone and hopefully we can all gel quickly.”