Ryan Porteous has decided to return to the Scotland squad for this summer’s World Cup in America.
The 26-year-old centre-back, who currently plays for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, has not featured for his country since moving to the United States.
Despite being Steve Clarke’s regular in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, he has made just one of his 13 appearances since being sent off in Scotland’s tournament opener against hosts Germany.
But the former Hibernian and Watford player said: sky sports He’s eager to get to work right away after competing against some of America’s biggest names…
Escape from Munich’s nightmare
Porteus was sent off in Scotland’s Euro 2024 opener against Germany.
Porteus saw the first half of their Euro 2024 opener against hosts Germany end after a foul in the box on Ilkay Gundogan.
He played only once for his country from that moment on. “It will always be difficult after the Euros,” he said.
“But after feeling a little sorry for myself for the first few months, every training session, every gym session, every game was always about, ‘How can I get back into that team? How can I force myself back into that team?
“That’s always my goal. Playing for Scotland is always my driving force because it’s the pinnacle and there’s no better feeling in football.
Porteous was sent off for a first-half tackle on Ilkay Gundogan.
“That was a long time ago now. It’s been a long time.
“Since then I have played a lot of football games and 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 one of those things that happens in football. It’s always been difficult to accept but I’ve always had the drive and determination to overcome adversity as a person and as a player.
“I’ve done a pretty good job of that with my performances over the last six months. I just need to keep focusing on myself, work hard and do my best.”
Tribute to Scotland manager Clarke
Porteous made his Scotland debut against Ukraine in 2022.
All of Porteous’ 13 caps for Scotland came under the guidance of Manager Clarke, Scotland’s most successful and longest-serving men’s manager.
Clarke took over in 2019 and has managed the most games of any manager, becoming the first player to lead the team to three successive major finals – Euro 2020, Euro 2024 and this summer’s World Cup.
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Scotland manager Steve Clarke reflects on 2026 World Cup qualification and talks about his future with summer signings.
Despite not featuring the 62-year-old recently, Porteus was full of praise for the national team coach.
“The manager switched to a back four (in the World Cup qualifiers) and again he found a way to win games and qualify,” he said.
“He never takes credit for it. He always gives credit to the players, but I think it’s time someone gave him some credit too.
“He’s great. He’s the one who always believed in me. He always stuck up for me when others didn’t. He was the only person who was always there for me throughout my career and I owe him a lot.”
Could MLS experience some help at the World Cup?
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Porteous explains that his move to Los Angeles FC led him to play alongside Son Heung-min and Hugo Lloris in MLS and face off against Lionel Messi.
After leaving Watford in 2025, Porteus moved to Los Angeles and had an impressive first season in MLS.
“I wanted to try something new that people my age don’t usually do,” he explained.
“I’ve been at a stage in my career where I’m trying to make another move to the Championship, back again or something else and so far I’m loving it.
Will Ferrell is a part owner of LAFC.
“Not many people from Dalkeith arrive in Los Angeles, so the first few weeks were a struggle getting used to the heat.”
After his first season in MLS, Porteous believes his time in the United States will help him make a good impression in Scotland if he is to make the World Cup squad.
He added: “I think I’ll get used to the heat. Scotland have fantastic preparations and I know the team managers running the group will be well prepared.”
“But yes, playing a lot against South American players could also be to my advantage because the heat is strong.
“You can bring your A game because you know you’re going to be playing against the best players.
“I played against Chucky Lozano, Miguel Almiron, Thomas Müller, and soon I will play against (Lionel) Messi and (Luis) Suarez.
Porteus appeared in 13 games in MLS last season.
“They are not the stereotypes of the league from 4-5 years ago. These are world-class players who can still play.
“We have Son Heung-min, who at the age of 32 is just about to reach the peak of his career. The level and standard of the game is extremely intense.
“These players have done everything in the game. It’s fantastic to have a goalkeeper like Hugo Lloris, who won the World Cup, behind them. You always want to learn from these guys.
“The most impressive thing was how good they were off the park. These are world-class players.”
