It’s time to tie down Porteous after a week he won’t forget
ROSS COUNTY 0 HIBS 2
Porteous (46), Boyle (81)
Jamie McAllister admits it is crucial Hibs act swiftly to tie down man of the moment Ryan Porteous after he followed up his superb Scotland debut with a stunning show in Dingwall.
The big defender made the early second half breakthrough for Hibs to cap off a day when he was faultless defensively and relentlessly creative in instigating the Edinburgh club’s attacks.
Martin Boyle made sure of a jump into fourth place in the table – above Hearts – with the late second.
The Easter Road outfit could be destined to face weeks and months of speculation over potential moves away for Porteous, with interest likely from both sides of the border and beyond.
Assistant manager McAllister conceded that talks were under way – with the urgency increased since the defender’s fine Scotland showing in Krakow.
McAllister said: “I know the gaffer and the club have been speaking to him, trying to get him tied down. He’s a big player for us.
“It is important we keep our best players.
“He waited a long time for his Scotland debut and I thought he was excellent the other night. Today he just carried it on.
“He is obviously confident, doing well away with the national team. He’s a top player and it was good to see him get on the scoresheet as well.
“He shows his quality stepping forward and he defends really well.
“On the ball he was very composed.”
Defeat left County still third bottom in the Premiership table, with only one league win from eight so far this season.
The Staggies, with just one win to their name so far, drafted in Bristol City loanee Owura Edwards for a first start since mid-August and he was the home side’s main threat in the first half.
Unfortunately, he failed to net County’s big chance in the first period, with David Marshall blocking him close in.
Otherwise, Hibs held the greatest threat with Porteous swerving a free-kick around the home wall but just wide of Laidlaw’s left-hand post.
Porteous was granted plenty of space to probe deep into County territory and he drew a strong save from Laidlaw.
The developing pattern saw County hemmed into their own half, unable to make much stick in Hibs territory.
Some Hibs sloppiness after 27 minutes allowed William Akio to feed Ross Callachan for a blocked attempt, before Edwards thrashed against David Marshall’s legs.
Somehow, it felt inevitable that the breakthrough would come from the boot of Porteous. And it did just 25 seconds after the restart.
Joe Newell launched a long throw into the home penalty box and, amid a rabble of flailing legs, Porteous was calm enough to swivel into position six yards out and beat Laidlaw.
There was an incredible miss for Hibs after Newell swept the ball across the face of goal and Boyle, sliding in, failed to connect from a few yards.
But Boyle settled it by thrashing in the second from 12 yards after a ball across from the right from Chris Cadden.
Home manager Malky Mackay conceded: “I was reasonably happy at half-time, but when we have those golden chances we have to take them.
“I’m not criticising Owura Edwards because I felt he was one of the guys that really shone for us today.
“He really showed bravery today to get on the ball and we need more players to do the same.”