Ryan Porteous puts Hibs controversies behind him as he reveals Martin Boyle's role in Scotland reveal

Ryan Porteous insists he’s ready to graduate to the top level of international football four years after getting a schooling from Erling Haaland as U19 skipper.

The Hibs defender has his eyes set firmly on a full cap after being recalled for the first time since last November ahead of the Nations League clashes with Ukraine and Ireland. Porteous admits his club performances this season haven’t quite measured up to his own standards.

But the 23-year-old, who has yet to play a single minute for the top team despite three previous call-ups, is adamant he’s ready to take the next step and become a full-blown international. Porteous was skipper of the U19 side that lost a thriller 5-4 to Haaland’s Norway in 2018 with the Manchester City superstar notching a hat-trick. And he said: “That was interesting. He’s not bad, to be fair! That was one of the experiences you get from playing these kinds of games. You play world class players. I was still young then as well but you could tell that he would be a top player.

“These international games are great, they let you experience playing a different level of opposition and even the players you are playing alongside, who you can learn from. My performances this season have obviously been at a standard that convinced Steve Clarke that I'm capable of playing for his Scotland team.

“Do I feel they have been at the level they potentially could be? Potentially not. But I am in a Scotland squad, with the chance to prove myself, and that's what I wanted to achieve.

“I’m buzzing with that. It’s something I haven't achieved for a year now. But every time I have been in the squad I have really enjoyed it. You are only away for a week or 10 days but I do believe I become a better player