Lee Johnson has revealed 'positive talks' with Ryan Porteous over a new deal and believes his recent Scotland call-up and Martin Boyle's return can convince him to stay.
The defender is highly-regarded by the capital club and has been a mainstay for the new boss since his summer arrival. He's featured ten times so far this season, playing every single minute of the Premiership campaign to date. His reward has been a call-up to Steve Clarke's Scotland squad with his club boss delighted with his inclusion.
Porteous has been included in previous squads but yet to land any minutes for his country, something he is determined to do by showing his international boss, like his club gaffer that he can be trusted and bring a performance to the national team. Giving his latest update, Johnson said: “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.
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
READ MORE Ex-Hibs star Liam Henderson and the career ambition he wants to share with brother Ewan
“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.”
On his Scotland involvement, he added: “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.”
READ MORE:
- Three things we learned as Hibs throw relentless attacking barrage at Kilmarnock in tight win
- Dylan Tait in Hibs transfer exit as he hooks up with Easter Road favourite for the season
- Hibs transfer confirmed as Lee Johnson signs 'dominant' Manchester United starlet in late dash
- Former Hibs striker Colin Nish lands Lowland League manager gig with Tranent Juniors
