Rangers-linked Hibs defender Ryan Porteous ripped up the script by opening the scoring at Ibrox, but his celebrations will have done little to win over Ibrox fans.
The Gers have been linked with a controversial move for the defender heading into the January transfer window with the Scotland international’s contract running down at Easter Road.
This has been met with controversy in plenty of circles given Porteous’ history of dodgy tackles and sarcastic behaviour towards Rangers and the club’s fans.
The 23-year-old hasn’t exactly got the greatest relationship with the Rangers supporters and as Porteous rose highest to nod home the opener in an eventual 3-2 Gers win, the defender once again stirred the pot.
Running to celebrate with the tinpot Hibs fans, Porteous touched his ear to the Rangers support and it didn’t exactly endear him further to fans who have genuine doubts regarding an Ibrox move.
Fashion Sakala would then equalise for Rangers before Kevin Nisbet – another player linked to Ibrox in the past – put Hibs back in front.
A second-half Rangers rally followed with Ryan Jack tapping in an equaliser and Alfredo Morelos getting his obligatory goal against the Edinburgh club to win the game.
Ryan Porteous polarises Rangers support
Porteous’ goal certainly put the defender back into the post-match discussions of Rangers fans but the defender’s attitude towards the Ibrox club continues to make the links feel unlikely.
The fact Rangers are often quick to quash incorrect transfer rumours and that Ross Wilson touched on the need for Scottish players at a recent AGM has added to a feeling they are not.
But whatever the case, the jury is still out on Ryan Porteous as a player, not just one who could do a job for Rangers, and this was summed up by the defender receiving yet another yellow card in the game.
The defender’s sixth of the season, it means Porteous is now ruled out of the upcoming Edinburgh derby against Hearts.
Meanwhile, a major Ibrox injury blow has been softened by a refreshing change of Ibrox direction.
