Porteous derby show leaves Hibs boss in awe
HIBS boss Shaun Maloney claims Ryan Porteous’ defensive display in this week’s Edinburgh derby was as good as anything he’s ever seen in Scottish football. Porteous has come in for fierce criticism during his short career, including question marks over his temperament following previous red cards.
But Maloney is a huge fan of the 22-year-old and reckons the Scotland squad player was brilliant in helping keep Hearts at bay in Tuesday’s stalemate.
The ex-Celtic attacker said: ‘I could talk about the back three, in terms of Rocky (Bushiri) and Lewis Stevenson, who has been immense for me. But I thought Ryan Porteous’ performance was of a really high level. ‘It was as high a level as I’ve seen a centre-back in Scotland play in any game. It was really, really pleasing to see. We’re coaching him things — and to watch him bring that out, and the actual passion and desire he showed along with that, was really, really impressive.’
Maloney still has injury concerns over skipper Paul Hanlon and fellow defender Paul McGinn, who both missed the derby, while Joe Newell is a huge doubt after he limped off against Hearts. The manager also has a big call to make over who plays in goal for today’s visit of St Mirren.
Kevin Dabrowski, 23, was handed his debut on Tuesday after an injury to Matt Macey and produced a man-of-the-match display. ‘Matt’s going to be available for the game but, because Kevin’s performance was outstanding, it gives me a decision to make,’ said Maloney. ‘I’ll let the squad know (on Saturday).’ Meanwhile, St Mirren’s Richard Tait says there will be no repeat of the mistake that allowed Motherwell a stoppage-time equaliser on Tuesday — and prevented the Buddies making it four consecutive wins since the winter break.
The defender, who was dispossessed near the corner flag, said: ‘I’ve not played for a long time and there was probably fatigue kicking in towards the end of the game. I didn’t kick the ball out when I should have.’