TEAM PORTO

He's a first choice for Scotland and heading to a major finals but Ryan owes it all to his little helpers

- DAVID MCCARTHY

RYAN PORTEOUS has a list as long as his arm of the names of the people who have made him the player he is today.

A first-choice Scotland defender after only five caps in which he's proved pivotal in achieving results over Spain and Norway that have given Steve Clarke's team a launchpad to Euro 2024.

Four wins out of four can become five out of five and almost certain qualification with a win in Cyprus on Friday.

And former Hibs defender Porteous will be exactly where he wants to be front and centre of the action.

The 24-year-old isn't the shy, retiring type.

His bold, confident style on the pitch is mirrored in the manner he speaks.

He's in a good place and can't wait for what's coming up - the trip to the Mediterranean island followed by the 150th anniversary clash with England at Hampden a week today.

If, as expected, he'll be in the starting line-up singing the national anthem, Porteous will allow his mind to drift to the people who helped him get there.

The Watford centre-back said: "I don't think a lot of people would have backed me to go and do that - to fit into that Scotland team.

"But the people around me like my coaches, family, they all believed in me.