'Harshly treated' - Jack Ross launches strong defence of key Hibs man after impressive derby showing

Hibs head coach Jack Ross is delighted with the progress his side is making as he reflected on Sunday’s derby draw with city rivals Hearts.
Hibs head coach Jack Ross looks on during the Edinburgh derbyHibs head coach Jack Ross looks on during the Edinburgh derby
Hibs head coach Jack Ross looks on during the Edinburgh derby

Both teams had chances to win the game but the goalkeepers, and defenders, performed well to ensure a share of the points and a stalemate.

Ross was keen to highlight the performance of Ryan Porteous, who was guilty of a handful of howlers last season but has started the new campaign in fine fettle and put in a very good showing at Tynecastle as he continues to mature into a good all-round defender.

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“We’ve made big progress; we’ve had some bumps along the way as well and the derby was a test for them,” the Easter Road boss said afterwards.

Ryan Porteous halts Gary Mackay-Steven in his tracks with a well-timed challengeRyan Porteous halts Gary Mackay-Steven in his tracks with a well-timed challenge
Ryan Porteous halts Gary Mackay-Steven in his tracks with a well-timed challenge

"Take Ryan Porteous for example, as an individual who I think is a brilliant young player. And I do think that at times he’s been harshly treated within this country for some things."

The boyhood Hibs fan has now played more than 100 games in green and white and is still just 22 years of age, and Ross saluted his rise from youth player to first-choice centre-back.

"For the number of games he’s played as a young man and how he is as a player, he’s terrific.

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"I think the performance he produced against Hearts in terms of maturity was another sign of that. Again, not blemish-free, but really, really good.

"That’s hopefully an indiciation of how the young players are continuing to grow and the club should then hopefully benefit from that as well.”

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