Hanlon hails his sidekick a future star
Hibs’ flair players hog the headlines.
But Paul Hanlon reckons there’s a centre-half in the Easter Road ranks who is destined for back-page glory.
Ryan Porteous has put last season’s injury nightmare behind him to establish himself as a sure starter in the heart of Hibs’ defence.
With Hanlon alongside him, the 20-year-old looks increasingly impressive.
So much so, the Hibs skipper believes Porteous could become the best centraldefensive partner he has ever had.
“Ryan has come in and done really well. He is great to play alongside,” said Hanlon.
“He is so enthusiastic and desperate to get involved all the time, you have to reign him in sometimes.
“When I was young, you looked for people to help you out, and if I can do that with Ryan, all the better.
“He has a massive future, and the potential to be the best I’ve played with. He is a good bit ahead of where I was at the same age.”
Hibs’ attacking stars have shone brightly in recent weeks, but without the hard work of their defensive colleagues, it may not have happened.
“If you look at our squad, the majority are attack-minded,” Hanlon continued.
“It does put more pressure on the boys at the back, and we don’t have as many clean sheets as we would have liked.
“It is a trade off. As a defender, you always want clean sheets, but if we win 2-1 or 3-2 every week, I would take that.
“A win is all that matters.” Today’s clash with Celtic is the first of three festive crackers for Hibs. Rangers and Hearts are next up, before they enter the New Year break off the back of facing Livingston.
Hanlon accepts facing the Champions on their own turf is a tough way to start such a testing run of games, but insists Hibs are determined to set the tone for the second half of the season.
“A good run would give us a massive lift going into the break,” he said. “But we are under no illusions as to how difficult that will be.
“On any given day, going to Celtic Park is going to be very tough. But they are coming off the back of winning a trophy, which makes it even more difficult.
“But we’ll give it our all and try for the result we believe we’re capable of.”