Ryan Porteous earns Scotland recall after impressive spell in Los Angeles

Ryan Porteous believes his move from Watford to Los Angeles FC has helped him rediscover his best form after earning a recall to the Scotland squad.

The 27-year-old defender has made 52 appearances for LAFC since joining the Major League Soccer side in August 2025. His performances have helped him return to the international picture after his last Scotland appearance came against Greece in March 2025.

Porteous was called up by head coach Sebastien Pocognoli as a replacement for injured Swansea City defender Stephen Welsh ahead of Scotland's Nations League matches against North Macedonia and Switzerland.

The former Hibernian centre-back says the demands of MLS initially surprised him, particularly the travel involved, but believes the experience of regularly facing high-quality attacking players has improved his game.

Among those opponents was Lionel Messi, with Porteous describing the challenge of playing against world-class forwards as valuable experience.

He will now hope to turn his recall into more international appearances, starting with Friday's meeting against North Macedonia in Glasgow.