Hibs head coach Jack Ross reveals he tried to sign Ryan Porteous on loan for St Mirren

Jack Ross has urged Hibs defender Ryan Porteous to rise to the challenge of making himself a regular in the Scotland set-up after being called up by national team boss Steve Clarke for the first time.

Jack Ross has been aware of Ryan Porteous for some time

The 20-year-old made the step up from the Under-21 squad for the Euro 2020 qualifying matches against Cyprus and Kazakhstan and although he was an unused substitute in both matches, Ross believes the youngster will have enjoyed a huge lift from the experience.

Revealing he once tried to take Porteous on loan when he was manager of St Mirren, Ross said: “Ryan is somebody I’ve been aware of for a long time.

“I think it’s fantastic recognition for him and the club, particularly the young players who have progressed through the club.

"Undoubtedly he’ll come back from that involvement feeling good about himself.

“So the challenge for him is to make sure he continues that performance level and the next time Steve names a squad, he finds himself back in it.”