Porteous takes positives from defeat against England

Scotland Under-21 defender Ryan Porteous remains upbeat despite the 2-0 defeat by their England counterparts at Tynecastle on Tuesday night.

Scot Gemmill’s side had no chance of qualifying for next summer’s Under-21 European Championship finals in Italy and San Marino before the final Group D game against the Auld Enemy.

A much-changed and alreadyqualified England side were too strong, powerful and talented and ran out comfortable winners, thanks to a free-kick from Reiss Nelson and a long-range strike from Kieran Dowell in added time.

Scotland Under-21s have not qualified for a Euro finals since 1996 but Hibernian stopper Porteous, 19, said: “It’s always disappointing to lose, even more so when it is against a rival nation.

“As a team, we worked hard and defended well, but England just had those two moments of quality to win it.

“England were the top seeds in the group and they lived up to that. But we gave them a good game and it was two special moments that won the match for them.

“We’re disappointed, but it’s just something we need to accept and move on from.

“As a group, there has been a progression and there’s a lot to look forward to.

“A majority of the squad can continue to play for the side, so hopefully we can continue to build together for the future.”

Porteous is now focusing on Saturday’s Ladbrokes Premiership game against Celtic at Parkhead.

Hibs are two points behind leaders and Edinburgh rivals Hearts and one ahead of the Hoops.

The Easter Road defender said: “I’m looking forward to being back involved with Hibs again. We’ve had a good start to the season and I’ve enjoyed playing a part in it.

“It’ll be a tough game on Saturday, but it’s one we are all eager to impress in. It’s a good run of form we are on.”

Ryan Porteous remains upbeat despite 2-0 loss.