Dalkeith to LA pays off for Porteous with Scotland recall

What the report says

Ryan Porteous’s move from Watford to Major League Soccer appears to have helped revive his international prospects, according to BBC Sport Football. The Scotland centre-half, originally from Dalkeith in Midlothian, has settled in Los Angeles with Los Angeles FC after a career that also included spells with Hibernian and Watford. The article says he has made 52 appearances for the MLS club and feels his game has benefited from regular matches, travel demands and the chance to face high-profile attacking players.

Porteous told BBC Sport that he is enjoying life in California, where he lives in Pasadena to be nearer training and away from the city centre traffic. He said the different demands of the league took some adjustment, but he now believes he has put together one of his most consistent periods in recent seasons. The report also notes he has faced elite opponents in MLS, including Lionel Messi, as part of his development.

His club form has earned him a recall to the Scotland squad by head coach Sebastien Pocognoli after an injury to Swansea City defender Stephen Welsh. Porteous’s last cap came against Greece in March 2025, and he is now targeting a return to the national team setup. Scotland are due to play North Macedonia in Glasgow on Friday, giving him an opportunity to strengthen his case for more appearances.