Ryan Porteous clearly ready for Ibrox ‘challenge’ after Rangers transfer links
Ryan Porteous has spoken out after being linked to Rangers in recent weeks – and it’s clear the defender is ready to challenge himself at a bigger club.
Clyde manager Jim Duffy had suggested (Clyde Superscoreboard, 31:51, 5 December) that Rangers were looking to sign the 23-year-old Hibernian defender after he turned down a new contract at Easter Road.
Porteous has been involved with a number of controversial incidents against Rangers over the last couple of years, but the likes of Kenny Miller still feel he would be an excellent addition at Ibrox (Daily Record column, 11 December).
The central defender has since spoken out on his future and admitted that he’s ready to test himself outside of his comfort zone.
“I think it was a very difficult one and it’s something that I didn’t take lightly and didn’t make fast,” said Porteous (Football Daily video clip, 15 December).
“But I think that I have been here for a long time and I felt like I was progressing very well as a player. I think you get to a stage in your career where you need to be taken out of your comfort zone a little bit and see a new challenge and take that in your stride.
“It’s a short career and you see a lot of players move on from the club that they love and they’ve done great things and I am ready to take that step.”
If Rangers’ fans can put Porteous’ past antics to one side, he would be an excellent addition to Michael Beale’s squad. He’s still young and on a free transfer, he could prove to be an astute signing. The Light Blues are well stocked in the centre of defence, however, it remains to be seen if they will make James Sands’ move permanent.
If they don’t, then looking to add the Hibernian defender to their ranks could turn into a priority for Beale. He’s an aggressive and combative player who would certainly improve the current options at the 42-year-old disposal.
The Rangers boss will be eager to get to work in the January window, with there being a number of contract issues to resolve, as well as looking to bring players through the door at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, an out-of-court agreement could be reached for the Gers as documents have been submitted.