Mixed emotions as Hibs reveal extent of Ryan Porteous injury along with contract news

Defender has agreed a contract extension - but requires knee surgery

Ryan Porteous has joined Jason Naismith as a long-term absentee for Hibs after it was revealed the young centre-back requires knee surgery.

However, the Easter Road club were happy to announce that they had agreed a new contract with the talented defender until 2023.

The 20-year-old was injured during Sunday's Scottish Cup clash with Dundee United at Tannadice and will now miss the next few months.

Hibs defender Ryan Porteous was forced off during the Scottish Cup tie with Dundee United on Sunday. Picture: SNS

In a statement on their website, Hibs said they were "optimistic" Porteous would return before the end of the campaign.

The same cannot be said about Naismith. The Peterborough loanee injured ligaments in his knee and will be out for around six months.

Sporting director Graeme Mathie welcomed news of Porteous agreeing a new deal. The Scotland youth international had been a regular in defence since returning from injury in September.

Mathie said: “We are delighted to reach agreement with Ryan and his representatives to improve the terms of his contract.

“We work on the basis that the contracts for our Development players are standard and structured in a way that rewards them as they progress to make an impact in the first team.

“Ryan has worked his way to a point that he’s considered a key first-team player and we were delighted that he will continue his progression at the club for the foreseeable future."