Scotland have been back on form recently and John Souttar has been at the heart of their resurgence.
The centre-back has been a mainstay in the Rangers defence this season and a key player for Philippe Clement, and his form won him a recall for his country after his Euro 2024 snub.
And Souttar has transferred his club form onto the international stage as a standout in Scotland’s most recent fixtures.
The 28-year-old turned in a man-of-the-match display as he and his fellow defenders shut out Cristiano Ronaldo and Co to earn a 0-0 draw with Portugal and was quality again in the 1-0 win over Croatia at Hampden on Friday.
And Souttar was immense last night during the 2-1 win over Poland which earned Scotland a shot at staying in Nations League A.
- READ MORE: ‘Sensational’ John Souttar the toast of the Scottish press after ‘heroic shift’ in Poland
Andy Robertson hails Souttar and namechecks Rangers
The hero of the hour was captain Andy Robertson as he stepped up to bullet home a stoppage time header to claim the three points.
The provider of the exquisite cross from which he scored? John Souttar.
The Ibrox star had been terrific throughout, making tackles and blocks. One in particular was branded ‘incredible’ at the time by Michael Stewart who told Souttar to ‘take a bow’.
Souttar has also been the toast of the Scottish press since the full-time whistle sounded last night.
His passing forward and through lines throughout the game was also top and exactly what we know he is capable of.
He’s also provided crosses into the box akin to the one he pulled out at the end, although this one was particularly exquisite.
Skipper Robertson hailed his pal post-match, telling the BBC: “He’s been unbelievable in this Nation’s League. Especially the last four games, I think he’s been different class.
“He’s showed his quality and it was disappointing for him, I know how much it hurt him not getting picked for the Euros, some people will maybe think, ‘okay that’s my Scotland career over’ or whatever – not John.
“John worked so hard and he’s playing well for Rangers and he’s also doing unbelievable for Scotland.”
Scotland finally taking notice of Souttar’s quality
John Souttar has shown his quality over the years for Hearts and Rangers. He’s also shown it in Scotland colours.
He got himself into the side under Alex McLeish but an unfortunate red card picked up against Israel, combined with a hip injury, meant he didn’t play again for three years.
Now of course the suspension and injuries played their part but there were also games he sat on the bench in between.
And when Souttar made his comeback in 2021 he was immense at the back and scored against Denmark.
That was, or should have been, a real coming of age performance at international level but he only started one more game in between then and the defeat to Croatia last month.
His performances since then have shown Clarke what he was missing in Germany and suggest it was a mistake to discard him so easily for the Euros.
That he only has nine caps at the age of 28 is bordering on a disgrace and while injuries have played their part, he could and should still have more.
