RYAN PORTEOUS enjoyed a dream debut for Scotland after being pitched into Steve Clarke’s starting XI for the 0-0 draw away to Ukraine that secured the national team’s status as Nations League Group B1 winners – and the Hibernian centre-half was thrilled to be able to reflect on a job well done after the full-time whistle.
The 23-year-old put in an assured and mature performance on a night where it was needed most after a combination of injuries and suspensions kept Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Nathan Patterson, Scott McKenna, Grant Hanley and Scott McTominay out of the squad, leaving Clarke short of options at the back.
Porteous was given the nod on a night where the Scots only required a point to seal their promotion in the Nations League – and secure second seeding for the upcoming qualifiers for the 2024 European Championships, as well as a play-off berth for the tournament, should they fail to qualify via the conventional route – and played an important role as Scotland battled for a hard-earned point in Krakow.
It was a coming-of-age moment from a player that has threatened one for quite some time. Porteous looked right at home in the international arena and now that he has finally gained a cap, having been involved in previous squads without making an appearance, he is pleased to have given a good account of himself.
“It was everything that I hoped it would be and more,” he told the national team’s YouTube channel. “I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in a few squads and to see this group grow into a fantastic team who have got massive results.
“I was itching to get into that starting XI and luckily due to injuries and suspension I’ve managed to force my way in there and I’m glad that I’ve taken my chance.
“I was looking forward to it. The manager has always put a lot of faith in me.
“It is a good back four and you have got players playing at the highest level – Champions League, Premier League – and for me to slip in there… it was easy enough to go in there and play next to good players.
“Obviously I just had to concentrate on myself but I thought it was a good game. I am just delighted to come away with a result as well.”
The nature of the goalless draw with Ukraine, where the home side had the Scots pinned back and subjected them to wave after wave of attack towards the end of the contest, made for uncomfortable viewing for Scotland supporters. Porteous, however, relished the stern examination of his defensive ability.
“Aye,” he said. “Maybe holding on for the last 15 minutes wasn’t enjoyable but that’s kind of my best attribute: defensive things, sitting in and playing when we need to. To be fair, to a man I thought we were very good defensively.
“We could have probably shown a bit more going forward but we came to Poland to do a job and we’ve done it.”
The point gained in Krakow secured top spot in Group B1 for Scotland, who have now been promoted to the ‘A’ band for the next edition of the competition. Given that Clarke and his players were competing in the third tier of the Nations League during the tournament’s inaugural run two years ago, it is no mean feat.
“It’s been brilliant,” Porteous added. “A lot of people have said it – and I’m not just following the group by saying it – how far this group has come, how far the squad has come under the gaffer. I’m just delighted to be part of it finally.”
