Porteous believes future is bright

Hibs defender Ryan Porteous believes Scot Gemmill’s Scotland Under-21 side are maturing into a genuine international force.

Gemmill’s young team crashed out of the Toulon Tournament at the semi-final stage on Wednesday, going down 3-1 to England in Aubagne.

But Porteous reckons a freshfaced squad that includes 16-year-olds like Chelsea prospect Billy Gilmour and Hearts defender Chris Hamilton, as well as Everton striker Fraser Hornby and Rangers youngster Glenn Middleton – still both only 18 – will only get better with age.

All four of those teenagers featured as the Scots topped their group after following up an opening draw against Togo with victories over hosts France and South Korea.

Porteous told Hibs’ website: “Our team was quite inexperienced and young. We had a 16-year-old playing in midfield and people that were only 17 and 18 years old, but also had a few experienced boys too.

“It’s good that Scot has shown that he’s not afraid to develop good young players early. The good thing is that nobody looked out of place in the matches that we played.

“In the long run, the experiences will definitely help us as a team and as individuals.”

Celtic attacker Mikey Johnstone fired the Scots ahead at half-time but Aidy Boothroyd’s Young Lions hit back after the break to book a place in tomorrow’s final against Mexico.

“In the first half against England we were defending really well and had good chances,” said 19-year-old Porteous, whose side can still finish on a high when they take on Turkey in the third-place play-off.

“It was disappointing that we were caught napping and they scored three in quick succession to rule us out of the game.

“If we can produce performances like that, then I don’t see why we can’t beat the likes of England in future.”

Ryan Porteous: experience.