Steve Clarke hails ‘really intelligent’ Scotland partnership Rangers could’ve had at Ibrox after Greece masterclass

Add as preferred source on Google

It’s fair to say that Scotland manager Steve Clarke hasn’t always agreed with the Rangers support when it comes to the club’s players.

The former Kilmarnock manager, 61, is very much his own man and has stuck to his guns and his tactics despite some opposing whistles from Ibrox and the surrounding areas.

That includes with regards to Rangers centre-back John Souttar, who has was left out of Clarke’s Euro 2024 squad ahead of what proved a disappointing campaign for Scotland.

Since bouncing back, the Rangers centre-back has emerged as a key player for Scotland with Souttar imperious in the 1-0 away victory in Greece.

Journalists have even labelled Souttar as ‘Scotland’s best defender’.

Ahead of the return leg at Hampden, Steve Clarke has been discussing the Scotland defender and a partnership which Rangers might’ve formed in Glasgow themselves this season.

• READ MORE: What Scotland manager said when he made shock call to pick Rangers wonderkid

Steve Clarke hails John Souttar and Grant Hanley

John Souttar has been a revelation since returning to the Scotland fold and in recent matches has emerged as one of the nation’s top defenders.

Back in October, Souttar was named Man of the Match against Portugal after a masterful performance against Cristiano Ronaldo in the UEFA Nations League.

Souttar was on impressive form once again as Scotland recorded a 1-0 away day win over Greece to take the advantage back to Glasgow in the UEFA Nations League playoff.

The modest 28-year-old couldn’t take all the credit of course, Souttar hailing teammates Grant Hanley and Anthony Ralston come full-time.

And it’s John Souttar’s link-up with Birmingham City defender Grant Hanley which has caught the attentions of Steve Clarke ahead of the return leg.

The Scotland manager has been praising the link-up between both players in comments which might have Rangers fans thinking twice.

”Grant’s got all the experience in the world,” Clarke started. “He’s obviously shown that although he’s not starting regular at Birmingham.

”He knows how to train. He knows how to work. He showed the shape that he’s in the other night. They’re both really intelligent central defenders.

”John obviously finished last season with a little injury issues. I left him out the Euros squad. He’s come back into the squad and he’s shown me that he wants to be involved, that he wants to be a part of it.

”I think he’s grown into the role. I think playing beside Grant has been a big help for him because Grant’s got that experience.

”Now the two of them look like a very good combination and hopefully that continues into the future.”

Kris Boyd branded Souttar and Hanley ‘immense’ at full-time, with the former Rangers striker in full agreement with the Scotland manager over the two Hampden stars.

Rangers could’ve formed Souttar & Hanley partnership at Ibrox

It’s not just with Scotland that John Souttar has been impressing this season with the defender a crucial part of the Rangers squad.

Ally McCoist hailed Souttar’s exploits against Fenerbahce, branding the defender ‘unbelievable’ before adding ‘he must have won about 100 headers’ following the penalty kicks victory.

We also reckon Souttar is one of five players in line for a new contract when the club eventually appoint a new sporting director in the coming months.

But after Steve Clarke hailed Souttar’s partnership with veteran defender Grant Hanley, Rangers might’ve had the benefit of the partnership at Ibrox this season.

That’s because Rangers were linked with a move for Hanley in January during the club’s much-publicised hunt for a new centre-back.

Marvin Bartley even urged Rangers to sign Hanley, claiming that the defender’s ‘aerial dominance’ is something the Ibrox side were ‘missing’ from their backline.

The Ibrox links to the 33-year-old originated in local paper the Pink Un but they never materialised before Hanley completed a move to Birmingham City.

The defender has only made seven substitute appearances at St Andrew’s this season, with the Blues backline reinforced by form Rangers loanee Ben Davies.

Rangers also opted to sign the unconvincing Rafael Fernandes on loan from Lille, with the jury very much still out on the Portuguese defender.