Ryan’s a class apart
Gary Jardine knew Ryan Porteous would become a Scotland star when he saw him put the blocks on a French international – after coming straight from the school classroom.
Jardine spotted the Hibs youngster in an Under-20s game against Dundee United and went on to hand him his first crack at senior football when he was boss of Edinburgh City.
But he always knew Porteous, called up by Scotland boss Steve Clarke last week, was destined for bigger and better things.
Jardine, now boss of Civil Service Strollers, said: “I remember watching him in a game for Hibs’ Under20s and he was up against Florent Sinama Pongolle, who’d played for Liverpool. Ryan gave him such a hard time despite being late for the game because he’d been at school that day!
“That summed up his commitment. His appetite for the game, his drive and determination, left me in no doubt that he would get to this level.
“It was inevitable that Ryan would be in there, sooner or later and if he impresses then there’s no reason he can’t be a Scotland mainstay for the next 10 or 12 years.”
Jardine revealed Porteous honed his defensive skills alongside hulking stopper Joe Mbu and against former Scotland and Celtic striker Craig Beattie when he joined League Two City on loan in 2016.
Jardine added: “The idea was for him to learn the real defending side of the game and Joe taught him how to be vocal and to lead.
“He trained as he played and in his first training session he was giving Craig it tight! “