Ryan Porteous is determined to return to the Scotland squad for this summer’s World Cup in the USA.
The 26-year-old centerback, who currently plays for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, has not played for his country since moving stateside.
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, former Hibernian and Watford player Dr Sky Sports He hopes to put things right after coming up against some big-name players in the US…
Back from the Munich nightmare
Porteous was sent off during Scotland’s Euro 2024 opener against Germany
During Scotland’s Euro 2024 opener against hosts Germany, Porteous received a red card for a foul in the box on Ilkay Gundogan.
Since then he has played just once for his country. “It was always going to be difficult after the Euros,” he said.
“But after the first few months, maybe feeling a bit sorry for myself, every training session, every gym session, every game, it was always, ‘How do I get back into that team?’ How do I get back into that squad?
“That’s always been my goal. It’s always been my drive to play for Scotland because that’s the top spot and there’s no better feeling in football.
Porteous was sent off for a first-half tackle on Ilkay Gundogan
“It’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, think and grow as a person and a player.
“Every negative in life comes with a positive. Every mistake comes with a learning curve.
This is a common occurrence in the world of football. It was always tough to take, but as a person and a player, I’ve always had that drive and determination to come back from adversity.
“I’ve done it pretty well with the performances I’ve had in the last six months. I just have to focus on myself, keep working hard and keep trying and I’ll do my best.”
Scotland boss Clarke praised
Porteous made his Scotland debut in 2022 against Ukraine
All of Porteous’ 13 caps for Scotland have come under boss Clarke, 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, also becoming 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 talks about his future with his current deal in the summer
Despite not featuring recently for the 62-year-old, Porteous was full of praise for the national team boss.
“The gopher went on the back four [in World Cup qualifying]. And again, he found a way to win games and qualify,” he said.
“He never takes credit for it. He consistently credits the players, but I believe it’s time for him to receive some recognition as well.
“He’s brilliant. He’s someone who’s always believed in me. He’s always stuck up for me when others haven’t. He’s always been someone who’s been there for me throughout my career, and I owe a lot to him.”
Could MLS experience help at the World Cup?
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After leaving Watford in 2025, Porteous moved to Los Angeles and had an impressive debut campaign in MLS.
“I wanted to try something new, something that people at my age don’t usually do,” he explained.
“I was at the point in my career where it was either another step up to the championship, back on the road, or trying to do something else, and so far I’m loving it.
Will Ferrell is part owner of LAFC
“Dalkeith is small, so it was hard to adjust to the heat at first.”
After his first season in MLS, Porteous believes his time in the United States will help him impress for Scotland, should he make the World Cup squad.
He added, “I think I’ll get used to the heat. I know Scotland has a great setup, and the team managers who run the team will prepare them well.
“But yes, the heat is intense and playing against the South American boys can also play in my favour.
You can exert your utmost effort knowing that you will be competing against elite players.
“I was playing against Chucky Lozano, Miguel Almiron and Thomas Muller and I’ll come up against them. [Lionel] Messi and [Luis] Suárez.
Porteous made 13 appearances in MLS last season
“It doesn’t look like the stereotype of the league four or five years ago. These are world-class players who can still play.
“We’ve got Heung-min Son, who could be at the peak of his career at the age of 32. The standards and levels of the game are extremely intense.
“These players have done everything in the game. Having a goalkeeper like Hugo Lloris behind you, who has won the World Cup, is fantastic. You always want to learn from these guys.
“The most impressive thing is how good they are as people off the park. These are world-class players.”
