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Lee: We’ve pushed boat out for Porteous
Lee Johnson insists Hibs have done everything they can to keep Ryan Porteous ahead of his contract running out this summer.
And not even Franck Sauzee’s return to Leith yesterday could knock the Scotland defender out of the limelight.
Porteous kept himself front and centre as he scored the only goal against Motherwell – and played the key part in the dismissal of Connor Shields.
Hibs boss Johnson said: “We’ve offered him a really good contract.
“There is no immediate pressure from me for an answer but as we near January the screw has to turn on that a little bit.
“We think the right thing for Hibs is obviously securing Ryan and that’s why we’ve made such a strong offer but if not the world moves on and we’ll make sure we have a succession plan.”
Shields seemed to rugby tackle the Hibs centre-back as he advanced with menace towards the Motherwell box with referee Grant Irvine immediately brandishing the red card.
Within 10 minutes Hibs, playing with an extra man for the fourth successive home game, made it count with Porteous getting the better of Sondre Solholm to head into the net. Both players needed treatment for the clash of heads that led to the goal but Porteous would have felt the bruising challenge was worth it.
Johnson added: “The main man at the moment in terms of the limelight is Porto and the commitment and the bravery to score that goal. It was a helluva goal.
“At the moment that epitomises him –committed, winning challenges and a goal threat as well in the box.
“He took a few whacks and was on the floor a fair bit. I think he’s all right – he was playing the hero on that one!”
Sauzee had got the crowd warmed up when he emerged to a rapturous reception from the Easter Road support.
And it was a fairly frantic start with both teams posting immediate notice of their attacking intent.
Well, off the back of thumping Ross County 5- 0 in midweek, looked to pick up where they had left off, Sean Goss pinging a volley from the edge of the box just wide.
At the other end Martin Boyle tested Liam Kelly with a low effort then Marijan Cabraja collected at the back post but instead of taking a shot he cut the ball back for Chris Cadden whose effort was blocked by Matt Penney.
Well forward Kevin van Veen had a quiet afternoon but will feel he ought to have done more with one effort from edge of the box that went wildly over.
Shields’ moment of madness when he hauled down Porteous turned the game.
Within 10 minutes Porteous had headed Hibs in front and while there was a mad 10-minute finale as the Fir Park side tried desperately to take something from the game, the home defence held firm.
Johnson said: “I’ve not got that feeling of euphoria or elation because we could have managed the last 10 minutes better.
“We always look like a threat on the counter. We started really well with a good tempo, good ball speed, runners in behind and it’s just that bit of quality or composure in the final third. If we can increase that then it’s the difference.
“I’m certainly not grumbling because I’m very proud of the players. I knew that would be a difficult game.”