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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Hibs star Ryan Porteous hits back at Scotland 'wanting me to fail' critics after stunning debut

Ryan Porteous reckons some people wanted him to fail for Scotland as he silenced his critics with a stunning debut against Ukraine.

The Hibs stopper was drafted in by Steve Clarke for the final game of the Nations League triple-header due to a vast number of injuries in the backline. The 23-year-old was an unused sub in the first two games of the international break but he was put in alongside Jack Hendry in the decider with Scotland needing a share of the points to win League B.

Porteous put in a superb display in the heart of the defence - earning praise from Scotland and Hearts No1 Craig Gordon, boss Steve Clarke and many pundits and fans as the Dark Blues got the job done and secured promotion to League A and with that a second seeding for the Euro 2024 draw and a guaranteed play-off spot.

READ MORE: Hartlepool chairman in 'didn't know' Paul Hartley admission after axing former Hearts and Hibs star

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It was a big moment for the Easter Road defender - who didn't let outside noise get to him in a huge milestone in his career with the hope that this is the first cap of many to come.

Speaking to The Nine, Porteous said: "There might have been a lot of people that were wanting me to fail, or wanting the team to fail because I was playing and things like that. But I'm big enough to deal with that.

"I'm just glad that I got the opportunity. I waited a long time for the opportunity, but I'm just glad that when I did get it I've taken it. More importantly, Scotland moves in the direction we want them to go."

READ MORE:

- Jim Goodwin will regret Ryan Porteous Hibs 'dive' claim with 'unfair' pop by Aberdeen boss blasted

- Paul Hartley SACKED by Hartlepool as former Hearts and Hibs star leaves role after three months

- Hibs star Aiden McGeady could retire today and be stable but still has hunger and desire to play

- Lee Johnson on simplifying 'exceptional' Josh Campbell's game to be Hibs' answer to Frank Lampard

- Josh Campbell brace helps Hibs on their way to back-to-back wins as they overcome Aberdeen

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