Lee Johnson hopes Ryan Porteous ’ Scotland recall will convince the defender to sign a new deal at Hibs.
The 23-year-old was included in Steve Clarke ’s squad this week for the upcoming Nations League clashes against Ukraine and Ireland. Porteous has been included before but is yet to make his first appearance for the top team and Johnson reckons that’s the next challenge for the defender - who he says has to prove to Clarke that he can be trusted.
The Hibs boss is a huge fan of the academy product who is out of contract next summer. But with his Scotland call-up further proof that his international ambitions can be realised at Easter Road, Johnson is hopeful the ongoing contract discussions with the player could soon come to a positive end.
Johnson said: “I’m delighted for him. I know he’s been called up before but he’s very keen to make sure he gets minutes as well. He’s probably been a little but frustrated, like anyone, to have had call-ups but no minutes.
“That’s something he’s got to prove. He’s got to prove to the manager and earn his trust, and he can do that. I think the trust is off the pitch as well. It’s on the pitch, where he’s performing well, but can perform better - and he knows that.
“He’s a very, very solid player, with an extreme will to win, and sometimes that boils over in his decision-making, which we’ve seen in the past. But it’s something he’s actively working on and we’re actively working on with him.
“I think you start to see more composure in those moments and a little bit more maturity this season. That’s why the call-up has come, and now he’s got to get to the point where he gets minutes and impresses and he gains the trust of the national manager.
“We’re delighted for him. Obviously, we’re keen to keep him and those discussions are still in play. I had a good chat with him on Wednesday and we’re due to talk to his agent over the next couple of weeks.
“So, that’s still bubbling in the background, but positive talks are good and the timing of that was obviously important as well. The fact we’ve signed his best mate in Martin Boyle and the Scotland call-up shows you can achieve your ambitions at Hibs. That’s important, that message is key.
“And games like Saturday become very important because players like Porto want to be at the top end of the league, competing for things on a consistent basis.”
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