Hibs’ fans are waiting to learn whether influential defender Ryan Porteous will be available for the match against Celtic this afternoon after a Covid scare.

Following the return of the Scotland Under-21s squad on Wednesday, the Scottish FA has been informed that three players have since tested positive for COVID-19 during their routine pre-match testing at their respective clubs.

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A meeting involving the Scottish Government’s COVID experts took place this morning and after reviewing all relevant information from the Under-21 Team Manager and COVID officer, they identified a further eight players and two staff members considered to be close contacts.

As a result, the three positive cases will require to self-isolate for 10 days from November 20, and the 10 close contacts to self-isolate for 14 days from November 20.

The close contacts were established using aircraft and bus manifests, in adherence to government protocols that consider close contacts to be two rows either side of a positive case.

The SFA have informed all clubs affected by the positive cases or close contacts in advance of matches taking place this weekend.

None of the players have been named at this time.

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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.