Hibs star Ryan Porteous has been backed to shine for Scotland in their Nations League showdown with Ukraine - if he is given the nod.
Former Easter Road defender and team-mate of the stopper Paul McGinn had nothing but positive things to say of the 23-year-old ahead of tonight's crucial final game. Steve Clarke's men know they will win their League B section by avoiding defeat in Poland and with that secure promotion to the top tier of the competition.
The Dark Blues are suffering defensively with the likes of Grant Hanley, John Souttar and Liam Cooper already missing coupled up with injuries to Kieran Tierney, Scott McKenna and Scott McTominay. Declan Gallagher and Hearts' Stephen Kingsley have been recently called up to provide cover, but Motherwell ace McGinn reckons Porteous may have the edge to partner Jack Hendry due to being part of the original pool selected for the triple-header.
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Speaking to Edinburgh Evening News, McGinn said: “Based on the fact he was in the initial squad, I think he will get the nod.
"It’s a big game and he normally seemed to rise to big games. If he didn’t, or if he made a mistake, it was typically in the games where we would be a bit complacent. So I would very much trust him.
“I do think he would still get on the ball. He’s still got that confidence. He wouldn’t just kick it the way he’s facing.
“It’ll be a tougher game, away from home. They’ll need his physical attributes and he’s a great outlet defender as well.”
Offering advice to the Hibs star if he is handed his first cap, he continued: "Don’t overthink it. He just needs to play the same way he does.
“Probably no pantomime stuff unless he’s going to win us a penalty. But otherwise just play it as normal. I’d hate to see him turn down the chance to make a pass or play it safe because it’s not really him.”
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