Hibs’ defender Ryan Porteous has been called up to the Scotland squad for the Euro 2020 qualification double-header against Cyprus and Kazakhstan.
The 20-year-old had initially been training with Scot Gemmill’s Scotland Under-21 squad ahead of their own qualifier against Greece on Friday before being asked to link up with the senior squad.
Gemmill recently described his performance in the 2-1 away win in Croatia as ‘immense’, with Clarke also commenting recently that the 20-year-old was very much in his thoughts.
Porteous said: “I’m delighted to have been given the call to join up with the Scotland squad.
“I’ve said often enough how much playing for my country means to me.
“It’s been a proud moment any time I’ve pulled on the shirt, at whatever age level.
“I just want to go in there, work hard, hopefully make a good impression on everyone and see where it takes me.
“When I was doing my rehab with the staff at HTC for the knee injury something like this would have seemed a long way off, so I owe a few people a lot.”
Sporting Director Graeme Mathie said: “Everyone connected with Hibernian is so pleased for Ryan and it’s no less than he deserves after working so hard to come back from injury.
“I know George Craig, in particular, will be very proud of Ryan as someone who has taken a real interest in his development over the years and been a supportive figure to him along the way.
“Ryan’s clearly been on the national team’s radar for a while – boosted by his performances for the Under-21s – and we know how much playing for Scotland means to Ryan.
“It should also inspire the young players within our Academy to look at Ryan and aim to follow in his footsteps.”
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.
