Ryan Porteous, the 25-year-old defender for Watford and the Scottish national team, has come a long way since his fiery days in the heart of Hibernian’s defense. He has matured into a key player for both his club and country, with 10 appearances for Scotland under his belt. Reflecting on his time in Scottish domestic football, Porteous admits that one thing he doesn’t miss is the referees, as he often felt unfairly targeted by them.
Since joining Watford in January 2023, Porteous has found a sense of calm and stability. Scotland manager Steve Clarke values him highly, and his club boss, Tom Cleverley, supports his international ambitions. Cleverley even allowed Porteous to miss Watford’s final Championship match of the season to rest up for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament, considering the current injury crisis within the Scotland squad.
Porteous acknowledges Cleverley’s support and praises him as a manager who prioritizes the players’ desires and the opportunity to represent their national team on the biggest stage. This gesture from Cleverley demonstrates his commitment to helping Scotland succeed.
However, Cleverley’s decision may have also been influenced by Porteous’ disciplinary record. The defender has accumulated 14 yellow cards in the season, and one more would have resulted in a three-match suspension at the start of the next campaign. Nevertheless, this golden month of rest and recuperation before the tournament could prove crucial for Porteous.
Looking back at Scotland’s recent friendly defeats against the Netherlands and Northern Ireland, Porteous suggests that mental fatigue from the demanding qualifying campaign may have played a part in their dip in form. Despite the disappointing results, Porteous believes there were still positives to take from those matches, as playing against top teams provides valuable learning experiences for the squad.
As Scotland prepares for Euro 2024, Porteous is determined to secure a spot in the starting lineup for their opening match against Germany. He describes playing for Scotland as the highlight of his career, emphasizing the unique feeling it brings compared to club football. Porteous acknowledges the competition within the squad but hopes that he has done enough to be considered for the starting eleven.
Ultimately, Porteous’s goal is to take each game as it comes and focus on getting out of the group stage. He believes that if Scotland can achieve that, anything is possible, and the fans should dream big. Making those dreams a reality is the players’ responsibility, and Porteous is ready to give his all for his country.
As Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign approaches, Ryan Porteous’s journey from a fiery presence in Scottish domestic football to a key player for Watford and Scotland exemplifies growth and maturity. With his experience and determination, Porteous will be a crucial figure in Scotland’s pursuit of success on the international stage.