Steve Clarke hailed Ryan Porteous' Scotland debut as 'outstanding' after securing Nations League promotion and a Euro 2024 play-off spot.
The Dark Blues ended their September triple-header with a trip to Poland to face Ukraine knowing they only needed a share of the spoils after a 3-0 win over the same opponent last week and also victory over the Republic of Ireland at Hampden.
It wasn't the easiest of build-ups for Scotland with a sickness bug hitting the national team camp on top of a mounting injury list. But that gave Hibs star Porteous the chance to shine and he did just that as he formed a solid partnership with Jack Hendry to keep a clean sheet on his debut on a night he won't ever forget. Boss Clarke was delighted for the 23-year-old and says his performance showed he listens and learns as he heaped praise on the stopper.
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He said: "Ryan was outstanding on his debut. I am so pleased for the boy and it shows he listens and learns."
On his debut, Porteous added: “It’s about the squad, not me.
“I’m just lucky enough to come in here with a manager that has that much faith in me to chuck me in.
“It’s about the whole country. When I play for Scotland at any age group I always gave 100-per-cent. Now I have made my mark in the first team.
“But I have to take myself out of that because it’s only one game and look at how much the team has done before this. I’m just delighted to be a part.
“Of course I want to play for Scotland for years and get as many caps as I can.
“But I also want the strongest Scotland squad so we can go to Euros, World Cups.
“And if that means that centre backs like Kieran Tierney, Grant Hanley and Liam Cooper, who are Premier League players, get the nod then that’s great. I’m delighted to play my part.
“And I’m delighted the team has got to where we want to be. I’m buzzing.
“I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity, mainly because the boys have been fantastic.
“So I am delighted to get my chance and delighted to help the team."
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