A goal on your debut, particularly for a defender, is something to be celebrated, but for Ryan Porteous it was marred by seeing Reading come back from 2-0 down to hold Watford to a 2-2 draw.

To make matters worse, the penalty that got Reading back into the game came when experienced Reading striker Shane Long used what players and fans would describe as a piece of classic ‘s**thousery’.

When he spoke exclusively to the Watford Observer last week, Porteous admitted he dabbled in those dark arts himself – or, as he described it, his ‘pitch personality’!

Having been on the other end of it at the Madejski Stadium, Porteous was honest enough to admit that while it was a frustrating penalty to concede, he’d have wanted it given if it was at the other end.

“I think if it was the other way round, we’d be asking for it,” he said.

“The striker’s been clever - he’s a good player and he’s been around a long time - and I don’t think there’s much Craig can do. He’s unfortunate, but it’s one of those.

“Craig’s a top player, a top professional, and it was great to play with him today. I’m sure I’m going to learn a huge deal from him during my time here.”

Porteous announced himself personally to the Watford travelling fans by heading home Watford’s second just after half-time, and celebrating right in front of them.

“It was great to get on the scoresheet,” he said.

“I like to vary my runs in the box - sometimes to the back, sometimes to the front - and the objective was to get in front of my man.

“It was a great ball into the box, and I was lucky enough that it hit the back of the net. It was just disappointing we then went on to concede two goals in the manner we did.

“It’s very disappointing to throw away a two-goal lead. I think we controlled the majority of the first half, although the boss told us we could do better, and we did go and get the second just after the break.”

It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks for the Scottish international defender, and having made his debut he’s now looking forward to his first taste of Vicarage Road.

“I just can’t wait to get back out on the pitch now," Porteous said.

“I think the tempo of the Championship is similar to Scotland, so that suits me, and I think I’m gelling in nicely. The quality is up a level, which is good, and I’m excited to go again next week against Blackburn.

“It’s been brilliant so far. Everyone’s helped me settle in really well - not just the other players, but everyone around the club - and I’m really enjoying it.”