As a venue for his first proper public appearance since THAT challenge in Scotland’s opening Euro 2024 fixture in Germany, Ryan Porteous couldn’t have chosen anywhere better than Easter Road. Popular? Regardless of whether you used first past the post, full proportional representation or some twist on America’s zany electoral college, the former Hibs captain would poll highly among supporters guaranteed to give him a warm welcome tomorrow night.
One of the reasons for his feted status, ironically, is precisely the sort of all-or-nothing physicality that proved to be his undoing in Munich. The Watford centre-half, guaranteed to start for the visitors in a friendly game that will see David Gray deploy two different teams either side of half-time, became a cult hero in Leith partly because he took no prisoners.
There is, of course, much more to being ‘hard’ than merely liking a tackle. Being able to get back up after being flattened is a factor. As is the sort of teak toughness that makes injuries a mere inconvenience.
With apologies and pleas for forgiveness to anyone we’ve missed, then, let’s take a look – in NO PARTICULAR ORDER, for risk of causing a rammy – at ten of the hardest players ever to pull on the green-and-white jersey. Let the (polite) arguments begin.
9. David Gray
The current gaffer was the epitome of a solid right back in his playing days. And part of that was down to a ruthless streak that kept opposition wingers at bay. Oh, and he was also pretty decent in the air. Put a ball into the right area of, just for instance, the penalty box in front of the Hibs end at Hampden … and he’ll get his head on it. Photo: Greg Macvean
10. Ryan Porteous
He’s not actually a hugely imposing figure, physically, is ‘Big Porto.’ Which makes his performances for Hibs all the more impressive. He’s a guy who plays big. Fights for everything. And, after a summer of being buried under mountains of criticism, will be warmly welcomed back to Easter Road tonight. Until he makes his first challenge … Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group