RYAN: THE BA’S BURST
Mallan: I’ve slagged off Ryan for bursting Mitre with tackle but he’s type of guy you want in team
STEVIE MALLAN will never be deflated playing alongside Ryan Porteous despite watching his Hibs team-mate burst a ball with a crunching tackle.
Footage of the ball coming off second best went viral this week after stopper Porteous made a fierce challenge for Scotland’s Under-21s in their win over Holland.
Mallan also played in that game and insists the tackle epitomises the 19-year-old’s attitude.
So he’s sure Porteous will give everything for the cause again today as the Hibees take on Killie.
He said: “I’ve slagged Ryan for the burst ball but he’s probably one of the hardest tacklers I know.
“As soon as that ball burst everyone in the squad was laughing.
“He’s somebody who BY ALAN MARSHALL loves a 50-50. I heard it happen because I was standing next to him and I was like, ‘Aw god’.’
“That’s just the type of player he is. As soon as that ball rolls along the line and it’s a 50-50 that’s when big Porto’s eyes light up. It’s his goal basically.
“He’ll run through a brick wall and that’s the type of player you want in your team.”
Porteous, who is mentored by tennis icon Andy Murray, has made 10 appearances for Hibs this term and Mallan claims the teenager has a bright future.
The midfielder, 22, said: “He’s only 19 playing for the Under-21s and he’s starting games – that’s brilliant.
“It shows the confidence he has in club football.”