Ryan Porteous Returns to Scotland Duty After Watching McLean’s Goal From Los Angeles

Ryan Porteous says he is delighted to be back in Scotland’s squad after a long spell away from international football. The defender has been called up by new manager Sebastien Pocognoli for the Nations League matches against North Macedonia and Switzerland, having made just one appearance for his country since Euro 2024. Porteous was in Los Angeles when Scotland secured their place in the United States, and he says his LAFC teammates joined him in celebrating Kenny McLean’s remarkable halfway-line goal against Denmark. Watching from afar brought a familiar mix of pride and frustration, he explained: he wanted Scotland to succeed, but also wished he could be part of the action. The 27-year-old had been a regular under former manager Steve Clarke and started Scotland’s opening match at Euro 2024. His tournament ended with a red card in the 5-1 defeat to Germany. Porteous says he reflects on that experience, but chooses to remember the team’s qualification campaign as well, describing the run to the finals as an exceptional period for Scotland. While squad announcements were difficult during his time out, Porteous said he quickly shifted into supporting the team once matches began. He was able to watch after LAFC training because of the time difference, and recalled that the McLean goal had teammates cheering alongside him. Now back in contention, Porteous has an opportunity to rejoin the national-team picture. His account makes clear that being a fan brought moments of excitement, but returning to the squad is what he had been hoping for.