Joe Newell can't understand why some fans in the country have it in for his Hibs teammate Ryan Porteous.
The defender scored his second goal in as many games following his first cap for Scotland during Saturday's 1-0 Premiership win against Motherwell. He is out of contract at the end of the season and Hibs have put forward a new offer for him to stay with Lee Johnson's side, and Newell hopes that is the case.
Porteous has his critics and his Hibs midfield pal can't get why, as he said: "I don't get what people's problem is. As a country, he's one of your best young players, never mind best young defenders. Sometimes I hear things and read things and think there's just a witch hunt out for him. Even more credit to him, then, because look at what he's doing. He had his debut for his country the other week and did great.
READ MORE: Ryan Porteous' Hibs future latest with 'strong' contract offered reveals Lee Johnson
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"Look at his performances for us every week. He just brushes it off. As long as he's playing for this club, he'll give his absolute all.
"I'm more than happy to have him behind me because he's brilliant. Individually, he's on a great run of form. He's obviously playing really well and he's a massive player for us.
"He's got bags of ability. His performances have been really good for us week in, week out. Long may it continue. He might stay here. If he does, happy days. If he doesn't, we'll wish him all the best. But if he keeps churning out those performances, he'll get everything he deserves."
READ NEXT:
- Lee Johnson savours Hibs win in Dingwall but puts down 'one frustration' after 'great football'
- Ryan Porteous reveals tough Hibs love from Lee Johnson as defender avoids Scotland 'comedown'
- Three things we learned as Hibs extend good form against Ross County thanks to Porteous and Boyle
- Nohan Kenneh explains Hibs 'step-up' from Leeds United stint and the big factor behind it
- Hibs star Ryan Porteous hits back at Scotland 'wanting me to fail' critics after stunning debut
