Ryan Porteous Explained

Ryan Porteous
Full Name:Ryan Thomas Porteous[1]
Birth Date:1999 3, df=y
Birth Place:Edinburgh, Scotland
Height:1.88m (06.17feet)
Position:Centre back
Currentclub:Watford
Clubnumber:5
Youthclubs1:Edina Hibs[2]
Youthclubs2:Aberdeen
Youthyears3:2012–2016
Youthclubs3:Hibernian
Years1:2016–2023
Caps1:120
Goals1:11
Clubs1:Hibernian
Years2:2016–2017
Caps2:23
Goals2:3
Clubs2:Edinburgh City (loan)
Years3:2023–
Caps3:54
Goals3:5
Clubs3:Watford
Nationalyears1:2017–2018
Nationalteam1:Scotland U19
Nationalcaps1:7
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2018
Nationalteam2:Scotland U20
Nationalcaps2:1
Nationalgoals2:0
Nationalyears3:2018–2020
Nationalteam3:Scotland U21
Nationalcaps3:14
Nationalgoals3:0
Nationalyears4:2022–
Nationalteam4:Scotland
Nationalcaps4:12
Nationalgoals4:1
Club-Update:23:59, 27 April 2024 (UTC)
Nationalteam-Update:22:19, 14 June 2024 (UTC)

Ryan Thomas Porteous (born 25 March 1999) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a centre back for club Watford and the Scotland national team. He has previously played for Hibernian and spent a spell on loan at Edinburgh City, and represented Scotland at the under-19, under-20 and under-21 levels before making his full international debut in September 2022.

Club career

Hibernian

Raised in Dalkeith in Midlothian, Porteous supported Hibernian in childhood[3] [2] and attended Dalkeith High School.[4] He played youth football for Edinburgh club Edina Hibs and then Aberdeen before returning to Edinburgh to sign for his boyhood club. After establishing himself in the Hibernian youth system, he was loaned to Edinburgh City for the 2016–17 season[5] and scored goals that secured wins against Annan Athletic (Edinburgh City's first in the SPFL) and Arbroath.[5]

He made his first team debut for Hibernian in a 2017–18 Scottish League Cup group stage match against Montrose. He then scored two goals in his second appearance for Hibs, a 6–1 win against Arbroath in the same competition.[6] Although becoming a regular in the senior squad during that season (30 times an unused substitute in addition to six Scottish Premiership matches in which he did feature), Porteous also continued to appear for the club's Under-20s, whose campaign ended with a 'double' of SPFL Development League[7] and Scottish Youth Cup.[8]

During October 2018, Porteous signed a new contract with Hibernian, due to run until the summer of 2023.[9] He suffered a knee injury in January 2019 that required surgery, which prevented him from playing for the rest of the 2018–19 season.[10] [11]

On 20 December 2019, Porteous was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Rangers player Borna Barišić, with the incident provoking an angry confrontation between both coaching teams.[12] Porteous suffered a serious knee injury during a Scottish Cup match at Dundee United in January 2020.[13]

He returned from the injury ahead of the 2020–21 season, in which Hibs finished in third place and reached the 2021 Scottish Cup Final. Hibs turned down a bid of around £1 million from Millwall for Porteous in January 2021.[14]

His 2021–22 season was disrupted by suspensions, as he was sent off twice and also banned retrospectively once.[15] [16] [17] [18] In the same week as his widely praised debut for the Scotland national team, Porteous scored his first goal of the 2022–23 season with the opener in a 2–0 victory at Ross County on 1 October 2022.[19] Hibs announced in November that Porteous had turned down their offer of a new contract.[20]

In January 2023, Porteous was subject of interest from Serie A side Udinese and EFL Championship side Blackburn Rovers.[21] [22] Hibs accepted an offer from Watford, another Championship club, of around £450,000.[23]

Watford

On 27 January 2023, Porteous signed a contract with Watford that is due to run until the end of the 2026–27 season.[24] He scored a goal during his first appearance for Watford, a 2–2 draw at Reading on 4 February.[25]

International career

Porteous was named in the Scotland under-19 squad for the elite round of qualification for the 2017 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.[26] [3]

Selected for the Scotland under-21 squad in the 2018 Toulon Tournament,[27] the team lost to Turkey in a penalty-out and finished fourth.[28] After he made his debut at the tournament, he made 14 appearances in total over the following two years.

He earned a first senior Scotland call-up for Euro 2020 qualifiers against Cyprus and Kazakhstan in November 2019, but did not play in either fixture.[29] He was added to squads in October 2020[30] and November 2021.[31]

Porteous was recalled to the squad in September 2022 and, following injuries to Kieran Tierney and Scott McKenna, made his full international debut in a Nations League match with Ukraine. The team produced a solid defensive performance to record a goalless draw that secured first place in the group, thereby sealing promotion to the top level of the Nations League and a guaranteed play-off appearance in qualifying for UEFA Euro 2024.[32] Porteous was singled out for praise by his teammates, manager and members of the media, with boss Steve Clarke describing his performance as "outstanding" and pundit Michael Stewart hailing a "debut to remember". Captain John McGinn, a former teammate at Hibernian, said "(Porteous) was first class. A 10-out-of-10 performance. If he keeps on performing like that there's no doubt he can be a Scotland regular for years to come."[33]

He scored his first international goal on 8 September 2023, during a 3–0 win in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Cyprus.[34]

On 7 June 2024, Porteous was named in Scotland's squad for the UEFA Euro 2024 finals in Germany.[35] A week later, he started the opening match of the competition against Germany and was shown a red card in the 45th minute for a foul on İlkay Gündoğan.[36] The foul also resulted in a penalty kick, which was scored by Kai Havertz to make the score 3–0 in an eventual 5–1 loss for the Scots.[37] UEFA later announced that Porteous would be suspended for Scotland's remaining two group stage games for "serious rough play".[38] Scotland were eliminated and Porteous was accordingly denied a second Euro appearance.

Personal life

His older sister Emma is also a footballer who played for Hibernian[39] and was selected for Scotland at youth level before taking a university scholarship in Pennsylvania to combine her sporting and academic studies.[40] [41] Ryan missed her graduation to play for Scotland Under-21s.[42]

As of 2018, Porteous was signed to an agency operated by tennis player Andy Murray.[43]

In October 2020, Porteous declared his support for the Common Goal charity.[44]

Porteous was fined by both a court and Hibernian in June 2022, after he pleaded guilty to a charge of culpable and reckless conduct for hitting a woman with a plastic tumbler.[45]

Career statistics

Club

Club!rowspan="2"
SeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Hibernian2017–18Scottish Premiership61003293
2018–19[46] 163002050233
2019–201412010171
2020–21[47] 3415030421
2021–22292304040402
2022–232130040253
Total120111001729015613
Edinburgh City (loan)2016–17Scottish League Two233100000243
Hibernian U20[48]
2017–181010
2019–201111
Total2121
Watford2022–23Championship1720000172
2023–243732010403
Total5452010575
Career total1971913018211123722

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Scotland202210
202381
202430
Total121

Scores and results list Scotland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Porteous goal

Notes and References

  1. Web site: EFL – Squad List 2023/24: Watford – In Squad Players . English Football League . 46 . 15 November 2023.
  2. https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2020/04/07/hibs-star-ryan-porteous-owes-easter-road-career-to-his-dad-as-he-opens-up-on-aberdeen-exit/ Hibs star Ryan Porteous owes Easter Road career to his dad as he opens up on Aberdeen exit
  3. News: Hibs' Ryan Porteous recalls previous battle with Erling Haaland. The Scotsman. 15 August 2018. 9 February 2019 .
  4. Web site: Football success for two former DHS pupils . . 30 April 2018 . 9 February 2019 .
  5. News: David . Hardie . City boss sure Ryan Porteous has a big future at Hibs . Edinburgh Evening News . 12 May 2017 . 8 August 2017.
  6. Web site: League Cup Groups C& D: Hibs hammer Arbroath, Raith collect three points . BBC Sport . 25 July 2017 . 8 August 2017.
  7. News: Hibs clinch the SPFL Development League title . Edinburgh Evening News . 17 April 2018 . 9 February 2019.
  8. Web site: Scottish Youth Cup final: Hibernian beat Aberdeen 3–1 . Kenny Crawford . BBC Sport . 26 April 2018 . 9 February 2019 .
  9. News: Ryan Porteous and Fraser Murray sign new Hibs deals . Edinburgh Evening News . 24 October 2018 . 24 October 2018 . David . Hardie.
  10. Web site: Hibernian sign Marc McNulty, Darnell Johnson & Gael Bigirimana . BBC Sport . 31 January 2019 . 31 January 2019.
  11. Web site: Andy Murray 'a real inspiration' for Hibernian's Ryan Porteous in injury recovery . Alasdair . Lamont . BBC Sport . 7 May 2019 . 7 May 2019.
  12. Web site: Hibernian 0–3 Rangers: Visitors move within two points of leaders Celtic . BBC Sport . 21 December 2019 . 22 December 2019.
  13. Web site: Hibernian: Jason Naismith and Ryan Porteous surgery confirmed . BBC Sport . 21 January 2020 . 29 January 2020.
  14. News: Millwall manager comments on failed bid for Hibs defender Ryan Porteous . Edinburgh Evening News . 4 February 2021 . 19 June 2022 . Craig . Fowler.
  15. Web site: Hibernian: Ryan Porteous vows 'I'm never going to change' . Brian . McLauchlin . BBC Sport . 7 December 2021 . 18 June 2022.
  16. Web site: Ryan Porteous: Hibs defender suspended for three games for clash with Aberdeen's Ramirez . BBC Sport . 29 December 2021 . 18 June 2022.
  17. Web site: Hibs' Ryan Porteous to serve four-match ban after failed appeal . BBC Sport . 23 March 2022 . 18 June 2022.
  18. Web site: Gray pleased with 'top centre-half' Porteous . BBC Sport . 8 May 2022 . 18 June 2022.
  19. Web site: Porteous shines again as Hibs ease by County . BBC Sport . 1 October 2022 . 3 October 2022.
  20. Web site: Ryan Porteous: Hibernian defender turns down offer of new contract . BBC Sport . 26 November 2022 . 26 December 2022.
  21. News: Hibs in talks with Udinese over Porteous sale . en-GB . BBC Sport . 2023-01-19.
  22. Web site: Cassidy . Peter . 2023-01-19 . Blackburn manager confirms bid for Hibs defender Ryan Porteous . 2023-01-19 . STV News . en-GB.
  23. Web site: Ryan Porteous: Defender travels to Watford after Hibs accept bid . BBC Sport . Brian . McLauchlin . 26 January 2023 . 27 January 2023.
  24. Web site: Ryan Porteous: Hibs defender joins Watford . BBC Sport . Brian . McLauchlin . 27 January 2023 . 27 January 2023.
  25. News: Ryan Porteous in bold Scottish Premiership claim as Watford defender says standard 'a lot better' in England . Daily Record . 4 February 2023 . 8 February 2023 . Robbie . Hanratty.
  26. Web site: Under-19s knocked out at Elite Round stage . Scottish Football Association . 29 March 2017 . 8 August 2017.
  27. Web site: Scotland Under-21 squad announced for Toulon tournament . . 3 May 2018 . 1 July 2022 .
  28. Web site: Scotland finish fourth at the Toulon tournament after shoot-out defeat to Turkey . . 10 June 2018 . 1 July 2022 .
  29. News: Porteous: Training with Scotland was great experience . FourFourTwo . 13 December 2019 . 29 January 2020.
  30. Web site: Scotland: Players determined to 'make history' in Euros bid . BBC Sport . www.bbc.co.uk/sport . 29 September 2020 . 14 November 2021.
  31. Web site: Scotland v Denmark: Anthony Ralston given first call-up & Ryan Porteous also drafted in . BBC Sport . bbc.co.uk/sport . 14 November 2021 . 14 November 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211123021549/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59280358 . 23 November 2021.
  32. Web site: Ukraine 0-0 Scotland: Steve Clarke's side earn Nations League promotion . BBC Sport . 27 September 2022 . 27 September 2022.
  33. Web site: Ryan Porteous: How Hibs centre-back delivered Scotland 'debut to remember' . BBC Sport . Nick . McPheat . 27 September 2022 . 28 September 2022.
  34. Web site: Cyprus 0–3 Scotland: Steve Clarke's side on brink of Euro 2024 qualification after win . BBC Sport . Thomas . Duncan . 8 September 2023 . 9 September 2023.
  35. Web site: Record-breaking goalkeeper Gordon out of Scotland's Euro 2024 squad. 7 June 2024. 15 June 2024. Reuters.
  36. Web site: Germany vs Scotland LIVE: Euro 2024 commentary, score & updates . 2024-06-14 . BBC Sport . en-GB.
  37. Web site: Ruthless Germany humble 10-man Scotland in Euro 2024 opener. BBC Sport. 15 June 2024.
  38. Web site: 17 June 2024 . CEDB decision: 2024 European Championship match, Germany – Scotland . 18 June 2024 . UEFA.com . Union of European Football Associations.
  39. News: Football – Dalkeith's Emma Porteous scores hit with Hibs. Midlothian Advertiser. 7 March 2013. 9 February 2019 .
  40. Web site: Emma Porteous – from Hibernian FC to Seton Hill. FirstPoint USA. 1 June 2016. 9 February 2019 .
  41. Web site: 2016 Women's Soccer Roster: Emma Porteous. Seton Hill University. 2016. 9 February 2019 .
  42. Web site: Porteous cancelled holiday plans for Scotland Under-21 duty. Hibernian FC. 24 May 2018. 9 February 2019 .
  43. Web site: Andy Murray: Why Hibs' Ryan Porteous has tennis champion on speed dial . Jonathan . Sutherland . BBC Sport . 11 October 2018. 9 February 2019.
  44. Web site: Ryan Porteous: Hibs defender makes salary pledge for gender equality . BBC Sport . BBC . 21 October 2020 . 21 October 2020.
  45. Web site: Ryan Porteous: Hibernian defender to pay woman compensation after tumbler incident . BBC Sport . 17 June 2022 . 18 June 2022.
  46. Soccerbase did not record appearances made by Porteous against NSI Runavik on 19 July, Asteras Tripolis on 26 July and 2 August, and Molde on 9 August and 16 August 2018.
  47. One appearance in the 2019–20 Scottish Cup was in a match delayed until October 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  48. Appearances for the Hibs development squad in the Scottish Challenge Cup against senior clubs.