Ryan Porteous on noticing a different level of confidence in the Scotland squad

After transferring from Hibernian to Watford half way through the season, Ryan Porteous commends the Scottish players for the welcoming atmosphere and Steve Clark’s success in breeding it into the team.

With a successful start in the qualification process for the 2024 Euros, Ryan Porteous, centre-back for Watford and Scotland, discussed how he noticed a significant difference in the confidence shown by the players. Porteous acknowledged that Scotland still have a long way to go if they’re to qualify for the Euros. But he emphasised that in the last few years, Scottish football was looking “bright” and there is currently a great atmosphere within the Scottish camp. 

“It’s a very easy changing-room to come into. Obviously winning games helps massively with that so hopefully we keep that going. 

“From my first camp four or five years ago, I can see a difference. It’s been getting better with every camp and that probably goes down to the manager. He doesn’t take that credit but he should. Because the difference from when he came in to now, it’s a polar opposite. The team is only getting better.” 

The buzz around Scottish football is certainly ramping up. However, Porteous gestured to the necessary patience required of the squad if they are to qualify for the Euros. 

“We have put ourselves in a good position in this group. But there is a long way to go. Every Scotland fan and player knows we need to take it game by game. Growing up as a Hibs fan definitely taught me that! You hope you can keep the performance levels up and hopefully the results take care of themselves.” 

Back in the January transfer window, Porteous left behind Hibernian’s colours of green and white after beginning his career there as a youth in 2012. Porteous explained that since his transfer to Watford, he felt like he’s developed significantly as a player and that he’s come back to Scotland better than before. 

“I’m still a young boy, still improving but I’m probably getting to that point where you have to kick on and keep progressing, be a main stay bother for Scotland and Watford. I think I’ve become a better player every year, but especially in the last six months.” 

When Porteous joined Watford, a large number of centre-backs were injured. But this meant that he was straight in the deep end. He made his debut appearance in the EFL Championship on 4 February: “As soon as I came in I played against Reading, scored and then obviously it was quite hard to drop me after that. I think I’ve done all right.” 

Building upon his experience at Hibs, Porteous discussed the depth of experience at Watford and how it’s affected him.