Rangers defender John Souttar has missed out on a trip to Germany with Scotland and the chance to play in the European Championships.
Initially, it seemed like the 27-year old hadn’t recovered from the injury that saw him miss the last few games of the season, however, Steve Clarke’s decision was based on preference rather than fitness.
After watching more dodgy defending as Scotland conceded two cheap goals to Finland, for all that Rangers fans will be glad that John Souttar gets a rest, he must be wondering what he needs to do to prove his worth.
Rangers form ignored as John Souttar gets cold shoulder
His reputation as being injury prone has been shelved this season with 42 appearances.
More than Kieran Tierney, Liam Cooper, Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry and Rangers-linked Scott McKenna.
The only two teams that Scotland have beaten this season are Cyprus and Gibraltar out of 10 games.
In those 10 games, 21 goals have been conceded.
International managers have a hard task to gain consistency but sometimes they can be too loyal.
Scotland have qualified for the European Championships off of an incredible start to the qualifying campaign.
A shock win against Spain was an outstanding performance.
Two late goals against Norway came from nowhere in a game that Scotland had created nothing only for a defensive mistake to turn the game on its head.
The 2-0 win over Georgia was one of the most farcical games of football and a stronger referee would never have started that game given the conditions.
Georgia simply weren’t up for it and Scotland took full advantage.
The win away from home against Cyprus could be classed as a good performance and one that cemented top spot.
Since that win though, Scotland have limped over the line with draws against Georgia and Norway, conceding five goals in the process.
Poor officiating saw an opening goal chalked off against Spain, but he hosts had been the better side.
In short, Scotland haven’t been good for a long time and even when results were good, they masked performances that could have been better.
And yet, Clarke has persisted with the same players and consistently overlooked John Souttar who has been, arguably, Rangers best centre-half throughout the season, playing on his weaker side.
Justifying his decision, Clarke spent more time speaking about himself than the player:
“Again, it was emotional with John. It’s really difficult to imagine how difficult it is to sit down with people who have given their best, always, and tell them that they’ve just missed out. The conversations were face to face this time.
“I’m pleased that I made the decision to bring a slightly bigger squad. I got the chance to look the boys in the eye, they could look me in the eye. They understand how difficult it is for me and I understand how difficult it is for them.”
Steve Clarke picks his favourites with no justification
Grant Hanley hadn’t played for Scotland since March 2023 and has been given a free pass into the European Championships despite barely playing for Norwich City this season – eight minutes in total since March.
Former Scotland captain Willie Miller was far from impressed when commentating for the BBC:
“Grant Hanley should be concerned, I would be if I was him. There were probably about three good opportunities he afforded them.
“It’s been easy on the eye to watch, pretty slick play, but defensively we haven’t been great tonight.”
Miller is right, Hanley, along with Jack Hendry, are very lucky to be on the plane.
Managers will always have their favourites and it looks like Souttar clearly isn’t one of Clarke’s.
If he had no intentions of taking Souttar to Germany, the Scotland manager should have been more respectful and let him go on holiday to recover or stay at Auchenhowie for treatment.
Scotland’s loss will be Rangers gain when he reports back fully fit for pre-season after a well-deserved break.
Maybe the next manager will give him the respect his efforts deserve.
