Jack Ross insists Ryan Porteous will be pushing for a return to the Scotland squad if he can maintain his early season performances.
The Hibs defender is set to undergo the acid test of his form at Ibrox on Sunday as he renews hostilities with Alfredo Morelos in the top of the table clash.
Porteous hasn’t featured in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squads since his call-up for the triple header against Israel, Slovakia and Czech Republic exactly a year ago.
The 22-year-old has yet to win a cap.
But Ross said: “Ryan, if he maintains the consistency he has shown so far this season, will very much put himself in Steve’s thoughts.
“I think he already is. It’s just that consistency of performance and I do think he has grown again in that regard.
“The time and place Steve will speak to me is when he wants to bring a player into the group. Other than that I’ll leave him to make his own decisions.”
Kevin Nisbet is the only Hibee in the latest squad for the World Cup qualifying double header against Israel and Faroe Islands as Paul McGinn drops out.
The full-back was a late call-up for the key win in Austria to replace injured Nathan Patterson last time and was a crucial late substitute for Stephen O’Donnell with the Scots under serious pressure.
Ross said: “I think Paul understands the circumstances that brought him the recall to Steve’s squad having been involved previously.
“I think it was probably beyond what he expected, but the fact he earned that cap in such an important game and at such an important stage was outstanding for him.
“And I know he has said if that’s his one and only one then he’ll cherish it.
“All he can do is maintain a good level with his club performances and I think he has done that since his return.
“And Steve knows if he should require any reinforcement at that position then he has a brilliant player he can turn to.
“Paul is hugely satisfied with what he has achieved at international level since he came to Hibs.
“I’m sure he is hungry for more of it, but I think he is ok with it.”
