Rangers defender John Souttar has an opportunity in the Scotland international team this week.
But don’t just take our word for it.
The Ibrox centre-back was an unused substitute in the last round of internationals despite earning a recall after being snubbed for Euro 2024.
And with injury enveloping the Scotland squad ahead of the internationals against Croatia (A) and Portugal (H), assistant John Carver reckons John Souttar has a ‘glimmer in his eye’.
John Souttar wants to ‘put Scotland record straight’
There has been plenty made about the depth of injury problems in the Scotland squad this October.
Tartan Army manager Steve Clarke is facing a spate of call-offs with centre-back one area of concern after Scott McKenna sustained a hamstring injury.
The likes of Preston defender Liam Lindsay have been called into the squad but Rangers centre-back John Souttar, who has enjoyed a solid season at Ibrox, will have his eyes on a starting berth.
The Gers defender would’ve been the focus on Steve Clarke’s attentions as Rangers overcame St Johnstone at Ibrox at the weekend.
Scotland assistant John Carver referenced John Souttar at press conference ahead of the international week, and insists the Rangers star is determined to ‘put the record straight’.
“You can see that in some of their eyes,” Carver said, as quoted by BBC Sport, when asked about opportunities in the squad. “I’ll use John Souttar as an example.
“We’ve got a number of centre-backs out at the moment and you can see there’s a little glimmer in his eye because he thinks ‘I’ve got an opportunity now’.
“And he wants to put he record straight.
“When I first came here I remember John was in the squad and he did exceptionally well and he wants to get back to that standard again.
“And he’s playing well for Rangers, which is great.
“So players will think that way, and why shouldn’t they? It’s onto them. Go on, get on with it and see what you can deliver.
“Because if it was me, I would want to stay in this group. I would want to be part of the Nations League game and eventually the World Cup.
“It’s an absolutely fantastic stage for these guys.”
Rangers defender set for Scotland opportunity
John Souttar will have his eye on an opportunity with Scotland after a disappointing few months for the Rangers star with the national side.
The 28-year-old defender has found opportunities limited with Steve Clarke preferring Scott McKenna (Las Palmas), Ryan Porteous (Watford) and Grant Hanley (Norwich City) in recent times.
The Rangers centre-back has had an impressive start to the season with reports earlier in the campaign even suggesting the Gers are set to offer a new contract to Souttar.
Part of a Rangers defence that kept five clean sheets in six matches between the September internationals and these forthcoming October matches, Souttar is surely in line for an opportunity with Scotland this week.
Let’s just hope he doesn’t wind up injured.
