The Hibs the defender has spoken in the past about shutting out the noise and letting his football do the talking. He last said it was around 48 hours before he won a penalty against Aberdeen at Easter Road, sparking a comeback in a 3-1 win but also sparking an outburst from the Dons boss Jim Goodwin whose accusation that Porteous was guilty of “gross fraud” earned him a complaint from the Scottish FA.
The fallout continued in the days following the Scottish Premiership clash. Hibs trolled Goodwin on social media, two former referees suggested Hibs should manage him Lee Johnson should be scrutinized by the SFA for encouraging his players to cheat and fans of opposition clubs have questioned the player’s temperament, ability, discipline and fitness for the national team.
Many people were forced to eat their words when Porteous debuted in the Scotlandproducing a monumental shift at the back as Steve Clarke’s side drew 0-0 with Ukraine to top their Nations League group.
The Hibs centre-back earned plaudits from across the football world, including from his club manager.
“I was really happy for Ryan; I could tell by his tone how proud he was. That was a big focus for him in terms of his training and that goal,” Johnson says.
“He was in the team and didn’t quite pick up the minutes. The country showed confidence in Ryan, and he created and paid for it in a big way.
“I love him as a lad, I’m desperate for him to do well and that’s a big indicator in terms of what he can do.”
Speaking ahead of the international break, Porteous admitted his performances may not have been at the level he wanted, but Johnson insists he is happy with the 23-year-old’s performances.
“There were mistakes, but we are a new team. We had conversations about the order of priorities of who he is and what he should be.
“I think he’s in a good place. He’s had a great pre-season and run of games, he’s one of the first names on the team sheet, we’ve given him leadership duties and we’ve seen them improve.
“Sometimes we need him to focus more on the little details, but he’s a good character and takes it all in.”
Sounds like a player any manager would want to tie down a great contract, and Johnson is no different. But he admits there is still work to be done.
“We’re going to have to offer him a very strong deal,” Johnson admits.
Does this mean the manager will push the board to add another zero, so to speak?
“Absolutely. He deserves it. We want players who have performed well to get international honors – we don’t want to dilute them. We want to show the academy that this is something you can do and earn as long as you”ve trained for football club.
“Ryan is at the highest level. He’s part of the furniture here and he has such emotional stability around the club.
“He’s been here a long time and potentially, in my opinion, wasn’t quick enough to keep the players important.
“That’s where we compromised ourselves a little bit and we tried to fix that.
“We are still in talks, we are having positive talks and we have a meeting scheduled with his agents next week which I am looking forward to. We don’t know what will happen, but whatever happens, we will be as prepared as possible.
“I think he’s in great shape psychologically, physically, technically and tactically and we hope he stays. We will make a strong offer considering all these factors.”
It’s clear how much Porteous loves and appreciates the game for his childhood heroes, but Johnson admits it’s not just about the emotional appeal.
“I think Ryan will always want the club to do well, but the reality is footballers want to play as high as possible for as long as possible. We all want to succeed,” he explains.
Porteous has attracted interest from several clubs after becoming a mainstay in the Hibs defence.
Clubs from Russia and Turkey have reportedly been monitoring the defender, as have a host of teams in England.
Johnson has experienced something similar and believes there is a lot to weigh.
“We had many conversations, we always drink coffee and sit. We’re not just talking about football, we’re talking about life, we’re talking about performances,” he continues.
“I was there as a player, I played here and when I was down south, clubs came for me.
“Is the grass always greener? Will you have a lot of money, but then you will not get an opportunity?
“I always think that if you’re playing well and you’re an indispensable member of the team, if someone wants you, it’s always better for someone to come and get you and spend a lot of money on you, because they’re actually almost obligated to play you from the start. beginning.
“You go somewhere on Bosman and it’s not quite the same. It depends on what level it is.”
Johnson remains coy when asked if he has spoken to Portus since Goodwin’s comments.
“As a club you do the right thing and that is to support your player. He made a real effort to go out and score.
“I have no idea if his ideas about him were considered. All I care about is us and I give my players the support they need and deserve.”
