Hibs pair Glenn Middleton and Ryan Porteous have been selected to the latest Scotland Under-21 squad for the forthcoming UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers against San Marino and Croatia.
Scotland take on San Marino on Thursday 5 September (7.30pm kick-off) at the Simple Digital Arena in Paisley before travelling to face Croatia on Tuesday 10 September (8pm kick-off).
Middleton impressed on his debut in Saturday’s Betfred Cup win over Greenock Morton after sealing a season-long loan deal, while Hibernian Academy graduate Porteous is working his way back to full fitness after recovering from a knee injury.
Middleton told Hibernian Media: “I’m delighted to be back involved with the Scotland Under-21 and it caps off a great week after getting things over the line here and playing against Morton.
“It’s always an honour to represent your country and it’s been a privilege to be involved at the different age levels.
“I spoke to Scot Gemmill before I made the decision to come to Hibs. My preference was always to come here but I respect his opinion on these things and he’s someone you feel you can talk to.
“He was very positive about it and said I should go where I thought I would be happiest.
“It’ll be good to join up with Scot, his staff and the rest of the boys again.”
Porteous added: “With the injury it feels like ages since I was last away with Scotland so it’s a boost to be named in the squad.
“Everyone who knows me knows how proud I am to play for Scotland, at any age group, and it’s a long-term ambition to make it into the senior squad someday.
“But, first off, I have to keep my head down here and work hard to make up for lost time.
“I’m feeling fitter all the time and it’s been great to get some minutes in games for the Development Squad.
“I have to build on that and, ultimately, give the manager something to think about on a Saturday.
“My priority is trying to get back in the first team here but the Scotland call definitely comes as a bonus.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
