All or toughen

Porteous gutted after defeat but insists Scots will learn from errors

-  DAVID MCCARTHY

NEXT up, the Nations League winners. Then the World Cup finalists. Both in their own backyards.

And right on top of being well beaten on home turf by an excellent English side. It's fair to say that Scotland haven't taken the easy way out by agreeing to play friendlies against England and France either side of a Euro 2024 qualifier with Spain but Ryan Porteous wouldn't have it any other way.

Yes, the defeat to Gareth Southgate's men on Tuesday didn't sit well with the Watford defender but Porteous believes playing against the best can only make Scotland better.

And if Steve Clarke's team have to take the occasional slap, the short-term pain will be worth the long-term gain.

Former Hibs centre back Porteous said: "It was a tough night but there are plenty of positives to take from it.

"This is the level we want to compete at and the next two games aren't going to be any easier.

"But we will learn more by testing ourselves against Pot 1 teams than say the so-called lesser sides.