Former Rangers favourite Brian Laudrup wonders if the ‘unconvincing’ Ben Davies is in danger of losing his starting spot under Mick Beale following John Souttar’s impressive Old Firm showing.
Suddenly, Beale has a decision to make as he weighs up who should become Conor Goldson’s centre-back partner going forward. Does he choose the more cultured, naturally left-footed Ben Davies? Or the pure defensive instincts of John Souttar?
With the former unavailable due to injury, the latter certainly staked his claim during Saturday’s 3-0 hammering of Old Firm rivals Celtic at Ibrox. Souttar not only scored Rangers’ second goal with a thumping header, he also put his physical presence and expert positioning to very good use; forming an immediate understanding with Goldson despite his lack of experience in the left-sided role.
And, after months out of action with an ankle injury, Laudrup wonders whether Goldson could have a new partner with Davies’ place now under threat.
John Souttar or Ben Davies?
“One player who could be like a new signing for Rangers is John Souttar,” the former Denmark international tells the Scottish Daily Mail.
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“He looked extremely happy when he scored his goal against Celtic on Saturday. It looked like a massive weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
“You have to say that position next to Connor Goldson is up for grabs right now. (Beale) has Ben Davies, but he has not been convincing all season. So this is a chance for Souttar to show what he can do.
“Souttar’s first season at Rangers must feel like a rollercoaster. His goal on Saturday was a huge moment, and I was really happy for the guy because he’s been through a nightmare this term.
“His overall performance against Celtic was impressive.”
Rangers have been linked with a number of left-sided centre-halves of late; Nottingham Forest’s Jonathan Panzo and Arsenal’s former Birmingham City loanee Auston Trusty among them.
Stave off those injury concerns, however, and Souttar could save Rangers a pretty penny or two this summer.