Ryan Porteous admits he is inspired by former Hibs team-mate John McGinn in his bid to become an English Premier League player.
The centre back earned praise for his near flawless Scotland debut in Tuesday’s goalless draw with Ukraine.
Hibs are hoping to move a step closer to tying the 23-year-old down on a new contract when club officials hold talks with Porteous’ representatives next week.
But with Porteous admitting it is his dream to follow the likes of Aston Villa captain McGinn south of the border, it appears that Hibs could be fighting a losing battle.
Speaking to the BBC, Porteous said: “I think I’m similar to every player or the majority of players.
“I want to play at the highest level, test myself at the highest level.
“It was only a few years ago I was playing with John McGinn here and look at him now, captain of Villa and he captained Scotland in the last three games and that’s the ultimate goal, if you can test yourself at the highest level.
“Training with those boys and being with them for a week, I feel it just pushes you on a lot in such a short space of time.
“That is something that I do want to achieve going forward.”
