Jamie McAllister admits it is crucial Hibs act swiftly to tie down man of the moment Ryan Porteous after he followed up his superb Scotland debut in Krakow with a stunning man of the match performance in Dingwall.
The big defender made the early second half breakthrough for Hibs to cap off a day when he was faultless defensively and relentlessly creative in instigating the Edinburgh club’s attacks. Martin Boyle made sure of a jump into fourth place in the table - above Hearts - with the late second.
The Easter Road outfit could be destined to face weeks and months of speculation over potential moves away for Porteous, with interest likely from both sides of the border and beyond. The defender is out of contract in the summer and the Hibees fear losing the highly rated 23-year-old on a free transfer with both halves of the Old Firm watching developments closely.
Assistant manager McAllister conceded that talks were underway - with the urgency increased since the defender’s fine Scotland showing in Krakow.
Asked if the hardest part was now keeping hold of Porteous, McAllister said: “I know the gaffer and the club have been speaking to him, trying to get him tied down. He’s a big player for us.
“It is important we keep our best players. He waited a long time for his Scotland debut and I thought he was excellent the other night. Today he just carried it on.
“He is obviously confident, doing well away with the national team. He’s a top quality player and it was good to see him get on the scoresheet as well.
“He shows his quality stepping forward and he defends really well. On the ball he was very composed.”
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