'It means everything' - Hibs defender Ryan Porteous speaks on 'dream' Scotland call-up

Defender is hoping to make his debut after being called up to the senior squad for second time in 12 months

Hibs defender Ryan Porteous in action for Scotland Under-21s

Ryan Porteous has vowed to show the Scotland coaching staff what he can do after earning a second call-up to the senior squad in 12 months.

The Hibs defender was included in Steve Clarke’s pool for the matches against Cyprus and Kazakhstan in November last year but didn’t feature in either matchday squad. Now, having made the step up from the Under-21s, the 21-year-old is eager to take as much from the experience as he possibly can.

Speaking to Hibs' website, Porteous said: “It means everything. I grew up dreaming about playing for Hibs and Scotland.

"I’ve been able to live that dream at club level and now I’ve got a chance to join up with the squad and hopefully give a good account of myself.

"Whenever you pull on a Scotland strip, at any age group, it’s an honour.

"This is a great opportunity for me to work with Steve Clarke and some great players.”

Porteous has enjoyed an impressive start to the season along with the rest of the Easter Road rearguard and the centre-back feels adapting his own approach to games has helped him earn the call-up.

He continued: “[Getting a call-up] is the ultimate goal. But I think I’ve got better at really focusing on training every day and taking each game as it comes.

"Everything else takes care of itself if you’re playing regularly to a decent level.”

Even if he doesn’t get any gametime during the international triple-header against Israel, Slovakia and Czech Republic, the player insists simply being around such talented players will be beneficial.

Porteous added: “I just want to show the staff what I can do and play my part in whatever way I can, whether it’s getting a chance to play in one of the games or making sure training is as competitive as possible.

"I went in with an open-mind last time and like to think I picked up a few things. When you’re surrounded by good players and new experiences it would be daft not to.

"It’s a privilege and the sort of thing I would never take for granted so I’ll go there and give it my all.”

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