Potter hits back over Porteous ‘dive’ claim

HIBERNIAN assistant coach John Potter last night defended Ryan Porteous over claims that he is a diver. St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin claimed the centre-half has ‘a habit of winning cheap free-kicks’ after he was brought down for a penalty during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Easter Road.

Saints defender Matt Millar was penalised for grappling with Porteous but Goodwin insisted the Hibs player had conned referee Kevin Clancy. However, Potter believes the match official got the decision spot-on. He said: ‘It was a stonewall penalty kick. It’s Ryan’s job to try and move and get on the end of the ball and he’s been grabbed with two arms. ‘He was brought down a couple of times last year and they were proved to be penalties as well.

‘He’s a physical player and he’s a threat to the opposition. If people are going to get too close to him and grab him and give away penalties, then so be it.’ Former Dunfermline coach Potter is looking forward to being reunited with Dundee United head coach Tam Courts in tomorrow night’s Premier Sports Cup quarterfinal at Tannadice. But he hopes Jack Ross’ side, who lost last season’s Scottish Cup final to St Johnstone, can reach a fourth consecutive semi-final. He said: ‘I’ve known Tam since he was at Kelty Hearts and it doesn’t surprise me that he’s done so well. ‘It will be a difficult game because Dundee United have had an excellent start to the season.

‘They have had some good results and they will be looking forward to the tie but we have also had a good start and we know that if we play as we can do, then we will have a chance of winning. ‘This is our biggest game of the season so far and it’s one we want to win. We have a full squad available, so we think we can hurt United if we play to our strengths. ‘We have trained well in the last few days and it’s up to us to keep that going.’