JOSH O’Connor insists Ryan Porteous is a mentor and inspiration as he looks to make his mark at Hibs.
The teenage striker – son of former Hibs and Birmingham City marksman Garry – has watched Porteous go from the club’s academy to earning his full Scotland cap last week.
O’Connor made his first team debut in March as a substitute against Aberdeen before injury struck.
His most pressing target is helping the Hibs kids get past Molde in their UEFA Youth League round one second leg clash tomorrow after being beaten 1-0 in the first leg in Norway last month.
And the 18-year-old admits Porteous has been a big support in helping him develop.
O’Connor said: “We look at Porto as an inspiration, we see him in the building everyday, a great guy, got so much time for everyone and you can go and chat to him.
“As a striker, he tells me stuff about how to back into defenders.
“Now he’s made his Scotland debut and it’s well deserved, he’s been playing unbelievably for the last two seasons.
“It’s an inspiration for us, the development squad and the academy to prove it can be done that someone has come through and made their Scotland debut and will kick on and make some more.”
Josh’s dad Garry also made his Scotland debut while at Hibs after coming through the youth set-up and the Hibs striker admits his father has also been an important figure in his career.
O’Connor added: “The old man was there when I made my debut, my grandad, my gran, my mum too.
“They were really proud.
“He watches my games and gives me some little tips, he takes a step back too and takes it all in and then tells me.
“He has his angry moments like every father does. But it’s unbelievable to have that type of person there supporting you, especially a striker like I am.
“He gives me all the tips and tricks, tells me what to do, what not to do, how to get away with things – it’s really good.”
