---
title: "Celtic: Ryan Porteous good enough for Old Firm move, says Hughes"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-spl-ryan-porteous-transfer-news-updates/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2022-12-09T13:10:43Z"
modified: "2022-12-09T13:10:43Z"
---

# Celtic: Ryan Porteous good enough for Old Firm move, says Hughes

**Highly-rated Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous is good enough to join [Celtic](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-transfer-rumours/), according to a claim from coach John Hughes.**

### The Lowdown: Old Firm battle

The 23-year-old has matured into an impressive young player in the [Scottish Premiership](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/scottish-premiership-news/), becoming an undisputed key man for Hibs, despite his tender years.

Porteous has been [described](https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/what-a-debut-hearts-captains-praise-for-hibs-star-ryan-porteous-and-david-marshall-lowdown-chat-3860641) as ‘excellent’ by goalkeeper Craig Gordon and has already made a total of [151 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ryan-porteous/alletore/spieler/446093) for his current club.

His current Hibs deal [expires](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ryan-porteous/profil/spieler/446093) at the end of this season though, leading to links with the league’s powerhouses, as both the Bhoys and rivals Rangers are [reportedly](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/9886564/ryan-porteous-rangers-celtic-miss-out-hibs-spfl-boss/) battling to sign him.

### The Latest: Porteous good enough for Celtic

Speaking to [*The Daily Record*](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ryan-porteous-good-enough-rangers-28688017), Hughes claimed that Porteous is good enough for either club, although the same article claims that Rangers won’t sign him:

> “One hundred per cent Porto has a target on his back and he’s been hard done by. But that goes with the territory of being a heart-on-sleeve, full-blooded type of player.
>
> “Maybe that’s a reason to get out of Scotland. I don’t know. But at the same time he has been capped by Scotland because he has all those qualities.
>
> “He has become a much better footballer over the last couple of years too. And he is still evolving and will be even better. Nothing intimidates Ryan. Going to Ibrox is not a problem for him. That’s the kind of guy you want in your team.
>
> “A lot of people mention his temperament. If you take that out him then you’re not getting the same player.
>
> “In terms of determination, commitment and putting your body on the line then all your best players have that edge and it’s a case of managing it. Sometimes I needed to start a fight to get wound up and get the best out of myself. Take that hunger and desire out of Porto and you don’t have the same player.
>
> “It’s what makes him one of the favourites at Easter Road. The way he has progressed over the last couple of years he is good enough for the Old Firm. Definitely.
>
> “I have no idea where he will end up but I’d expect it will be down south. He has all the qualities to go on and be a top, top defender.”

[Key latest Celtic updates!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates-9/)

### The Verdict: Snap him up, Hoops

Porteous could be a brilliant signing by Celtic, coming in as a talented homegrown prospect with a high ceiling in the coming years and with the added bonus of beating the Gers to his signature.

\[freshpress-quiz id=“415619″\]

To have already played such a hefty number of games for Hibs at just 23 speaks volumes about his ability and he could provide competition for the likes of Cameron Carter-Vicker and Carl Starfelt at centre-back.

The fact that Porteous has represented Scotland at senior, Under-21 and Under-19 further highlights his quality, and considering he would be available on a free transfer in the summer, it could be a no-brainer for Celtic.