James Tavernier’s place in the Rangers starting XI is no longer guaranteed.
Philippe Clement has made that clear with his team selections in recent times. And that means the captain’s armband will be up for grabs at times.
Barry Ferguson has already explained why that isn’t an issue as he busted a myth after comparisons to his own previous Gers situation, while naming two alternative candidates for the role.
Jack Butland has worn the armband so far in the games where Tavernier is benched and he is a popular choice among fans.
But is there anyone else who could be considered by the manager?
John Souttar named as a potential Rangers captain
John Souttar is a virtual ever-present in the Rangers backline this season and as he enjoys his most sustained run in the team he is also producing his best football.
He took that onto the international stage as Souttar was hailed by the Scottish press for his displays for Steve Clarke’s side as they beat both Croatia and Poland in the Nations League.
In the latter, he was outstanding at the back but also produced a scintillating assist for Andy Robertson’s stoppage time winner.
He now looks like cementing his place in the Scotland team after doing so for Rangers, if of course he can continue to stay fit.
Ian Durrant has been mightily impressed by the centre-back’s displays for both club and country. And he reckons he’s just as much a candidate as Butland for the Gers armband.
Durrant spoke as he launched a new Rangers Lotto campaign for The Rangers Youth Development Company at Ibrox.
And he said: “When you heard about Souttar in the past, his career was always stop start and how he’d had these really bad Achilles injuries. But I watched him for Scotland and I’ve watched him for Rangers and he’s been immense.
“If Tav was to come out of the team, it looks like Philippe Clement could go to Souttar or Jack Butland to pass on the armband. He’s an experienced boy and could handle the captaincy. He’s stood up and he’s been absolutely immense for Scotland. I hope he just now carries on and is immense for Rangers.”
Asked if that means there are enough leaders in the side, he added: “Of course there is. The captain’s come in for a bit of a stick but look at his overall contribution. Now we need to get behind him.
“Looking across the squad, you’ve got a keeper, who’s outstanding. Souttar has been absolutely immense the last 10 days for Scotland.
“He looks like he could be a leader. So it’s time for big Souttar, if the going gets tough, he’ll be one of the ones you look to be in the trenches with. There will be tough times, don’t worry about that.
“But it’s how you come out the other end of it. The manager’s taken a bit of a battering but he’s strong enough. He’s experienced enough to know if he gets everybody fit, he’ll have them challenging up on the league.”
Souttar hailed for Scotland displays
Souttar was man-of-the-match for Scotland last month as he helped shut out Cristiano Ronaldo and others for a 0-0 draw with Portugal.
And he carried that form into this international break as a standout in the wins over Croatia and Poland.
Michael Stewart was in awe of the performance and one block in particular as he waxed lyrical on commentary.
Liverpool hero Andy Robertson then referenced Rangers as he discussed his former Dundee United teammate and the hard work he has put in.
And Souttar was named in a Nations League XI as Statistics website WhoScored collated a dream team of the group stage based on match ratings.
