Staking a claim
Hibs star Porteous ‘buzzing’ after solid display for Scotland
HIBS’ INFLUENTIAL defender Ryan Porteous is ‘buzzing’ to be selected for Scotland manager Steve Clarke’s squad for the international triple header against Ukraine (twice) and against the Republic of Ireland.
This is the fourth time Porto has been called up to his nation’s senior squad. The first was back in November 2019 for Euro 2020 qualifiers against Cyprus and Kazakhstan.
He said: “I’m buzzing with. It is something I haven’t achieved for a year now. But every time I have been in the squad, I have really enjoyed it.
“You are only away for a week or 10 days, but I do believe I become a better player being surrounded by these world-class players, so I’m looking forward to it and hoping I can grasp my opportunity.
“I have to play to a good level throughout the season. If Hibs are playing well and I’m playing well then he has always called me up and he has always had that little bit of faith in me so hopefully I can make the most of this opportunity and stake a claim to stay there.”
“We know that there are always opportunities, Steve Clarke has shown that, and I know it would be a special feeling if I could get that chance but I’ll just go in there and give the best representation of myself, show what I can do again and learn from that camp. I feel I always take a lot away from them.”
Hibs boss Lee Johnson added: “We’re delighted for him. We knew it would be the case because he’s been in the eyeline for a number of squads before.
“The next stage for him is to get minutes on the pitch and to make sure he receives that cap. I think he’s ready to do that.
“Off the pitch he’s maturing, as are his on the pitch performances, and that goes hand in hand.
“He’s got such a will to win and is such a talented player that maintaining that focus and direction becomes the key.
“As players start to mature, and go through experiences, they become better on and off the pitch, and we’re certainly seeing that with Ryan.”