Porteous expected to make trip to Livingston
HIBS are confident Ryan Porteous will be fit to face Livingston this weekend despite the defender battling an ankle injury.
The 21-year-old suffered the knock in last Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock but played through the pain barrier to complete the full 90 minutes.
Indeed, his dominant showing was enough to earn him a place in the SPFL’s official team of the week alongside twogoal hero Martin Boyle. However, Porteous has been nursed through training in the subsequent days, with Hibs medical chiefs taking no chances with the promising stopper following an injury-ravaged campaign.
The Scotland Under-21 captain was restricted to just 16 outings last season due to a serious knee injury – and the capital club are determined to ensure his fitness woes don’t strike again. However, it is understood that head coach Jack Ross hopes to step up Porteous’ training regiment over the next 48 hours ahead of Saturday’s Premiership showdown against Livingston.
Ross, meanwhile, has hailed the versatility of Drey Wright after the summer signing shone in an unfamiliar right wingback role against Killie.
The former St Johnstone man was deployed there in Hibs’ new-look 3-5-2 formation and performed admirably before later moving to his usual slot in midfield in the second half. And Ross reckons having a jack of all trades in his midst will be invaluable. He said: “Drey gives us another option in wide areas. His overall quality and versatility will be major assets to us over the course of the season.”