Ryan Porteous is determined to return to the Scotland squad for this summer’s World Cup in the USA.
The 26-year-old centre-back, who is currently playing for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, has not featured for his country since moving to the States.
Despite being a regular for Steve Clarke in Euro 2024 qualifying, the 13-time cap has only played once since being sent off in Scotland’s tournament opener against hosts Germany.
However, the former Hibernian and Watford player told Sky Sports he hopes to put things right after coming up against some big-name players in the USA…
Bouncing back from Munich nightmare
Porteous was sent off during Scotland’s Euro 2024 opener against Germany
Porteous saw red at the end of the first half in Scotland’s Euro 2024 opener against hosts Germany, following a foul in the box on Ilkay Gundogan.
He has played just once for his country since that moment. “It was always going to be difficult after the Euros,” he said.
“But after the first few months of maybe feeling sorry for myself a little bit, every training session, every gym session, every game, has always been, how can I get back into that squad? How can I force my way back into that squad?
“It’s always my goal. It’s always my drive to play for Scotland because it’s the pinnacle and there’s no better feeling in football.
Porteous was sent off for his first-half tackle on Ilkay Gundogan
“That’s in the past now and it’s been a long time.
“I’ve played a lot of football matches since then and I’ve had a lot of time to reflect, to think, and to grow as a person and as a player.
“Every negative in life comes with a positive. Every mistake comes with a learning curve.
“It’s one of these things that happens in football. It was always a difficult one to take but me as a person, as a player, I’ve always had that drive and determination to bounce back from adversity.
“I’ve done that pretty well with the performances that I’ve had in the last six months. I just need to keep focusing on myself, keep working hard and just try and do the best I can.”
Praise for Scotland boss Clarke
Porteous made his Scotland debut against Ukraine in 2022
All of Porteous’ 13 caps for Scotland have come under boss Clarke, who is Scotland’s most successful and longest-serving men’s head coach.
Clarke took over in 2019 and has managed the most matches of any boss, plus became the first to lead the team to three consecutive major finals: Euro 2020, Euro 2024 and this summer’s World Cup.
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Scotland head coach Steve Clarke reflects on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and speaks about his future, with his current deal up in the summer
Despite not featuring for the 62-year-old recently, Porteous was full of praise for the national team boss.
“The gaffer switched to a back four [in World Cup qualifying] and again, he’s found ways to win games and qualify,” he said.
“He never takes the credit for it as well. He always gives it to the players, but I think it’s about time someone gives him a little bit of credit as well.
“He’s brilliant. He’s someone who has always had faith in me. He’s always stuck up for me when others haven’t. He’s always been that one guy that’s always been there for me throughout my career, and I’m due him a lot.”
Can MLS experience help at World Cup?
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Porteous explains his move to Los Angeles FC, playing in the MLS alongside Heung-Min Son and Hugo Lloris, plus facing Lionel Messi
After leaving Watford in 2025, Porteous moved to Los Angeles and had an impressive first campaign in the MLS.
“I wanted to try something new, something that not normally people do at my age,” he explained.
“I was at that stage of my career where it was either another move to the Championship, come back up the road, or try something different, and so far I’m loving it.
Will Ferrell is part-owner of LAFC
“There are not a lot of people from Dalkeith that end up in Los Angeles, so the first few weeks were tough getting used to the heat.”
After his first season in the MLS, Porteous believes his time in the USA could help him impress for Scotland, if he is in the World Cup squad.
He added: “I think I’ll be used to the heat. I know Scotland have a fantastic set-up and the team managers that run the group will have them well-prepared.
“But yes, the heat is intense and playing against the South American lads a lot as well could play into my favour.
“You’re able to bring out your A-game because you know you’re going to be playing against top players.
“I was playing against Chucky Lozano, Miguel Almiron, Thomas Muller, and will be coming up against [Lionel] Messi and [Luis] Suarez soon.
Porteous made 13 appearances in the MLS last season
“It’s not as if it’s the stereotype of the league four or five years ago. These are world-class players that can still play.
“We’ve got Heung-Min Son, who at 32 years old could just be coming into the peak of his career. The standard and the levels of the games are extremely intense.
“These players have done everything in the game. To have a goalkeeper like Hugo Lloris behind you too, someone who has won the World Cup, is fantastic. You always want to learn off of these people.
“The most impressive thing has been how good they are as people off the park. These are world-class players.”
