[ad_1]
Ryan Porteous insists Hibernian supporters don’t need to doubt his commitment as long as he stays at the club.
Boss Jack Ross has decided it is better for Scotland defender and striker Kevin Nisbet to start Hibs’ victories over Dundee United and St Mirren this week on the bench following significant financial interest from south of the border.
Porteous was the subject of an unsuccessful £ 1million bid from Millwall, while Birmingham failed with a late £ 2.5million bid for Nisbet.
It was reported that Nisbet, 23, submitted a transfer request ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline after Hibs blocked his move to St Andrews and the possibility of banking a £ 10,000-a-week contract.
But both players were instrumental in Tuesday’s 2-1 win at Paisley after being substitutes, with Porteous coming home in the opener.
There was little sign from either player that their mind was elsewhere and Porteous insists that will remain the case as long as they have a green jersey on their backs.
“I don’t think I need to tell the fans that Kevin and I are going to give my all for the club and the team while we’re here,” he said. “It would be a waste of six or seven months and hard work not to do it.
“There aren’t a lot of games to go and we don’t want to throw them away with bad attitudes. We are there as a whole.
“I was a little frustrated that I didn’t start the last few games, but it’s good to take your frustrations out of scoring a goal and helping the team win.
“What happened over the past week is an integral part of the game and any young player who wants to progress has to go through it.
“You have to face it and it’s a learning curve for me and for the others in the locker room.
“I hope I can learn some lessons and be a little more experienced if these things happen again.
“Did it help that Kevin was in a similar situation to me?” It probably is. We could talk to each other but the manager spoke to us whenever we needed.
“It’s a situation that most young players have to go through. I will learn from it and potentially wear it in the summer.
Ross vowed he would do whatever he could to help assess how Porteous and 13-goal leader Nisbet got the moves they craved – when the time is right.
And this message is all the comfort Porteous needs.
“The gaffer is a coach who wants the best for his players,” said the 21-year-old. “He knows that, and as a club, they know that young players ultimately want to move on and continue their careers and play at the highest level possible.
“The discussions I had with the manager, he was honest and said he wanted me here but he understands that there is going to be a time, if I want to improve, then I have to take the step.
“But the timing has to be right for me and for the club. I am fully aware of this. I am grateful to have an open and honest manager.
The Hibs had financial challenges to face this year amid the Covid-19 crisis, but were ready to look into what they saw as a fair price for two young stars who played key roles in the Ross’s team climbing to third. held after the victory over the Saints.
And Porteous said, “It’s flattering that Hibs turned down the money they made for me. It shows a real ambition of the club and how well we are headed. Especially in the current climate that we have.
“We’re in it all together and the blunderer, the managers and the owner know it.
“We are in a good position and there are a few months to come. I’ve had a series of regular games, but I have to thank the boys and the manager for having this faith and confidence in me.
“I’m still young and it’s great to play every week. It’s good to be in the right place now. “
Source link
