JACK ROSS reckons there will be an unfair spotlight on Ryan Porteous in the aftermath of Hibernian’s defeat to Rangers.

The defender conceded a late penalty for a foul on Ryan Kent before Kemar Roofe converted to clinch all three points for the champions.

Porteous has endured a chequered history against Rangers and was sent off in the Premiership fixture at Ibrox earlier this term.

But Ross believes he was hard done by on this occasion as Roofe’s spot-kick ultimately proved the difference in a tight contest at Easter Road.

Ross said: “I think there’s a spotlight that falls upon him (Porteous) in this fixture and he’s handled that really well. 

“There will be a spotlight on him again over the concession of the penalty. But he’s shown tonight why he’s such a good young centre-half.

“The time John took to give the penalty actually gave me encouragement, because you’re thinking he’s maybe not sure.  

“Ryan was adamant he pulled out and there was minimum contact. I would agree. It’s 50-50.  

“I would claim for it in the opposition box. But I think it’s 50-50 and it goes against us. To lose the game in that manner makes it doubly disappointing.

“We started well, Rangers improved and half-time came at a good time. 

“We conceded chances on the counter, which is unusual, when you consider how dominant Rangers are in possession, usually. 

“We got into good areas regularly and looked like a strong team again. We just need to turn that into a run of results and move back up the table. 

“We look like a better team again. There’s a strong case to say we shouldn’t have lost any of the recent four games 

“They understand as players that they look pretty strong.”