Josh O’Connor says Ryan Porteous acts as both his mentor and inspiration as he looks to make the grade at the Leith club.
The teenage striker – son of Easter Road hero Garry – has watched Porteous' rise with interest. He's gone from a promising academy product to a full Scotland international last week, marking a fine week with a goal during a 2-0 Premiership win against Ross County.
O’Connor managed to bag his senior bow in March as a sub against Aberdeen before injury curtailed further appearances last term. For now, his target is helping the Hibs young team get past Molde in their UEFA Youth League round one second-leg clash this week after a narrow 1-0 loss in Norway last time out. The teenager says Porteous is someone who has been key for him in his development, saying: "We look at Porto (Porteous) as an inspiration, we see him in the building everyday.
READ MORE: Lee Johnson savours Hibs win in Dingwall but puts down 'one frustration' after 'great football'
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"A great guy, got so much time for everyone and you can go and chat to him. As a striker, he tells me stuff about how to back into defenders.
“Now he’s made his Scotland debut and it’s well deserved, he’s been playing unbelievably for the last two seasons. It’s an inspiration for us, the development squad and the academy.
"It proves it can be done that someone has come through and made their Scotland debut and will kick on and make some more.”
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
