Paul Hanlon admits as a Hibs fan and player he will be 'disappointed' to see Ryan Porteous leave - but believes he can really kick on when he lands his big move.
The Hibees defender has informed the club he won't be extending his contract that expires at the end of the season. That means he can start talking to interested parties come January 1 as the race to snap up the defender gets ready to kick into gear. Lee Johnson could get his last selection out of the Scotland international in the TV clash with Celtic tonight while it is also another opportunity to show potential suitors what he can do.
Hanlon has watched the stopper come through at Easter Road from a boy and he has no doubt his next move will be a big one and then he could take another leap from there to reach the very top level. The Hibs legend has spoken with Porteous throughout the whole process and has always been there to give advice and tips throughout his career to date in the capital. He said: “I have been here his whole career and watched him come through as a really young boy. As a Hibs fan and member of the squad I’m disappointed he will be moving on.
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“But everyone can see his quality so it’s not one anybody is surprised by.
“How far can he go? His next move, wherever it may be, will be a big one for him. If that goes well then he could end up close to the very top.
“I think wherever he decides to go after this will be a big move and then he can really kick on from there.
“I’ve spoken to him all the way through. Even coming through as a young kid he has spoken to me about things and playing next to him we’ve built a good relationship."
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