Hibs’ defender Ryan Porteous played his part in Vilnius last night as Scotland Under-21s emerged as 1-0 winners against Lithuania.
The youngster earned his place in the team with a string of excellent performances for Hibs since the season started and developed an exciting partnership with Paul Hanlon in the centre of the defence which has yet to concede a goal from open play.
In an entertaining, physical game Scotland were the better side in the first half and in the second period Lithuania looked to frustrate Scot Gemmill’s side with some tough defending but it wasn’t to deter the Scots.
Scotland showed great resilience and patience to secure the win with Motherwell’s Alan Campbell’s first goal for the under-21s putting the side on a high as they look forward to their four remaining group games.
Scotland are now four points behind league leaders Czech Republic, with a game in hand.
The team are back in action next month, taking on Czech Republic at home on 9 October before playing San Marino away from home on 13 October.
The group will then be rounded off with games against Croatia and Greece.
Scotland Under-21s head coach Scot Gemmill said: “This game was always going to be feisty, in eastern Europe, on this type of surface.
“We had to stand up, be counted and find a way to win which we did.
“We’re delighted for Allan (Campbell) who deserved his goal. We think he’s got the fitness and game awareness to get up with play and score goals so for him to do that tonight and get the winner is great.
“This team has shown they can execute game plans and they have the intelligence to play the way they’ve been coached.
“They deserve that reward for the work they’ve put in this week.”
Scotland: Ross Doohan (GK), Daniel Harvie, Ryan Porteous, George Johnston, Allan Campbell, Lewis Ferguson, Ross McCrorie, Nathan Patterson (Connor McLennan, 85), Glenn Middleton (Lewis Mayo, 80), David Turnbull (James Scott, 60), Fraser Hornby,
Unused substitutes: Kieran Wright (GK), Lewis Fiorini, Stephen Kelly, Tom McIntyre, Dean Campbell, Liam McCarron
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.
