Ryan Porteous called up for Scotland squad

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.”