Kris Boyd believes that a fight should be breaking out between Celtic and Rangers for defender Ryan Porteous.
The Hibs centre-back had an immense debut for Scotland midweek as he shone during a 0-0 draw against Ukraine that saw promotion to UEFA Nations League A obtained alongside a pot two placement for Euro 2024 qualification and a play-off back-up. Porteous has often been viewed as a pantomime villain by some but former Rangers striker Boyd believes there's a bargain to be had.
He reckons that with the defender out of contract at Hibs in the summer, there's a great chance for the Premiership title rivals in Glasgow to fight it out for a top Scottish talent. He wrote in his Scottish Sun column: "If Rangers and Celtic are not already fighting it out for the signature of Ryan Porteous then they should be. The Hibs defender is out of contract in the summer.
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"He’ll be the perfect fit for either of the Old Firm, who need central defensive reinforcements. People might be surprised by me touting him for a big move as I have been critical of him in the past.
Yes, some of his antics infuriate you but I have never ever questioned his ability. Porteous’ performance on his Scotland debut against Ukraine shows when he’s on it then he’s as good as any central defender in the country.
"It has been mentioned that his display under the utmost pressure in Poland was a one-off. It wasn’t. There have been plenty of other top-class performances in a Hibs jersey over the past couple of seasons.
"Unfortunately they get lost or forgotten amidst all the other baggage that comes with the 23-year-old. Too often a lack of discipline on and off the park overshadows the good stuff. Not every player has what it takes to play for the Old Firm. But the Hibs stopper has shown previously, and proved again in midweek, that he is cut out for the big occasion."
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