"I think it's about time": Scotland man explains shock transfer decision and shares 'faithful' verdict on Steve Clarke
The former Hibs favourite has opened up on his surprise summer move to the United States.
Scotland international Ryan Porteous believes that his surprise move to the MLS can reopen the door to an international recall, as he explained his decision to move across the pond last summer.
The 26-year-old centre-back has featured just once for the national team since his infamous red card during Scotland’s 5-1 opening game defeat to Germany at the European Championships in 2024, but is hoping to be recalled by Steve Clarke ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
After choosing to leave EFL Championship side Watford last August, the former Hibs defender has explained why he believes his decision to join Los Angeles FC will provide him the platform to do just that.
“I wanted to try something new, something that not normally people do at my age," Porteous told Sky Sports. “There are not a lot of people from Dalkeith that end up in Los Angeles, so the first few weeks were tough getting used to the heat. I was at that stage of my career where it was either another move to the [English] Championship, come back up the road [to Scotland], or try something different, and so far I'm loving it.
A regular starter under former head coach Steve Cherundolo last season, the new MLS season gets underway again this weekend as Porteous and his teammates take on reigning champions Inter Miami and Lionel Messi at the BMO Stadium. Playing alongside former Tottenham Hotspur icon Son Heung-Min at LAFC, he has praised the quality of the American top flight and is hoping his experience of playing in the country will play on the mind of Scotland head coach Clarke when he’s picking his squad for the World Cup.
“The heat is intense and playing against the South American lads a lot as well could play into my favour.,” explained Porteous. “You're able to bring out your A-game because you know you're going to be playing against top players. I was playing against Chucky Lozano, Miguel Almiron, Thomas Muller, and will be coming up against [Lionel] Messi and [Luis] Suarez soon.
“We've got Heung-Min Son, who at 32 years old could just be coming into the peak of his career. The standard and the levels of the games are extremely intense. These players have done everything in the game. To have a goalkeeper like Hugo Lloris behind you too, someone who has won the World Cup, is fantastic. You always want to learn off of these people.”
After being a crucial part of the starting XI that helped Scotland qualify for Euro 2024, it has now been almost a year since Porteous last pulled on the navy jersey when he came off the bench in the final moments of a 1-0 Nations League win against Greece in Piraeus last March. Reflecting on his international exile, the ex-Watford man is adamant that he still has plenty to offer the national team.
“It's always my goal,” he said. “It's always my drive to play for Scotland because it's the pinnacle and there's no better feeling in football. It was always going to be difficult after [his red card at] the Euros. But after the first few months of maybe feeling sorry for myself a little bit, every training session, every gym session, every game, has always been, how can I get back into that squad? How can I force my way back into that squad?
“That's in the past now and it's been a long time. I've played a lot of football matches since then and I've had a lot of time to reflect, to think, and to grow as a person and as a player. Every negative in life comes with a positive. Every mistake comes with a learning curve. It's one of these things that happens in football.
“It was always a difficult one to take but me as a person, as a player, I've always had that drive and determination to bounce back from adversity. I've done that pretty well with the performances that I've had in the last six months. I just need to keep focusing on myself, keep working hard and just try and do the best I can.”
Despite being left out of the Scotland squad in recent months, Porteous’ admiration for head coach Clarke remains steadfast. Having won all 13 of his international caps under the 60-year-old, he explained why he believes the former Kilmarnock boss deserves more praise for his achievements after leading the country to three major tournaments and its first World Cup in 28 years.
“The gaffer switched to a back four [in World Cup qualifying] and again, he's found ways to win games and qualify," he said. “He never takes the credit for it as well. He always gives it to the players, but I think it's about time someone gives him a little bit of credit as well. He's brilliant. He's someone who has always had faith in me. He's always stuck up for me when others haven't. He's always been that one guy that's always been there for me throughout my career, and I'm due him a lot.
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