Ryan Porteous named in Scotland squad as Hibs defender rewarded for early-season displays

Ryan porteous could win his first Scotland cap after being called up for the three matches next month

Hibs defender Ryan Porteous has been named in the Scotland squad for the forthcoming play-off against Israel, and the UEFA Nations League matches against Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Steve Clarke announced his 26-man squad on Tuesday lunchtime.

The Scots take on Israel at Hampden Park on October 8, and Slovakia at the same venue on October 11 before hosting the Czechs on October 14, also at the national stadium.

If selected to start Porteous could end up facing his Easter Road colleague Ofir Marciano, who is currently first-choice goalkeeper for the Israelis.

The 21-year-old was named in Scot Gemmill’s Under-21 squad but his performances for the Capital club in the early part of the 2020/21 campaign have earned him a recall to the senior team.

Porteous was named in the Scotland squad for last year’s Euro 2020 qualifiers against Cyprus and Kazakhstan but wasn't included in either matchday squad.

Speaking earlier this month, Porteous said: “The standard of player was ridiculous. You have to be at that level to play alongside these players and if I can do anything to get back there, I will.

"I went back to Hibs and said to all the boys that the standard was a bit of an eye-opener.

"What took me by surprise was the fact these Premier League players are at that top level every single day.

"I think everyone will agree the Premier League is just miles better that what we've got in Scotland but that is something that I aspire to play beside."

"The professionalism, the standard that they train at is something I hadn't seen before. That's no disrespect to anyone at Hibs.

"It’s made me desperate for another taste.

Sheffield United forward Oli McBurnie and Dundee United striker Lawrence Shankland are included after the pair pulled out last month with injuries, while Ryan Jack keeps his place desite missing Rangers’ last four games with a calf issue.

Newcastle winger Ryan Fraser has also returned to the squad after missing the last international break through a lack of match fitness and is a like-for-like replacement for Celtic wideman James Forrest, who misses out after sustaining an ankle knock during the Hoops’ Europa League victory against Riga in Latvia last week.

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Marshall (Derby County), McCrorie (Livingston), McLaughlin (Rangers)

Defenders: Cooper (Leeds Utd), Gallagher (Motherwell), McKenna (Nottingham Forest), O'Donnell (Motherwell), Palmer (Sheffield Wednesday), Porteous (Hibs), Robertson (Liverpool), Taylor (Celtic), Tierney (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Armstrong (Southampton), Christie (Celtic), Fleck (Sheffield United), Jack (Rangers), McGinn (Aston Villa), McGregor (Celtic), McLean (Norwich City), McTominay (Manchester United).

Forwards: Burke (West Bromwich Albion), Dykes (QPR), Fraser (Newcastle United), McBurnie (Sheffield United), Paterson (Cardiff City), Shankland (Dundee United).