Rangers pre-season training has been a strange experience for fans given that Philippe Clement has had an almost fully fit squad the for the whole duration.
James Tavernier and Todd Cantwell have had suspicious injuries given the current speculation surrounding the pair, other than them, the manager has had an almost clean bill of health.
The European Championships only saw Ianis Hagi of the current squad play a meaningful part with John Souttar being left out of Scotland’s squad, much to Rangers benefit.
John Souttar glad for the rest despite Scotland disappointment
It could be a big season for the 27-year old as speculation ramps up over the future of Connor Goldson and his proposed move to Cyprus.
Speaking to The Scotsman about not going to the Euros, Souttar did the best to see the positives:
“It was disappointing not to be involved at the Euros.
“But then again it was good for my body to get a break.
“I played a lot of football last year, and this has been the first time I’ve really had the chance to have that break and let my body recover.
“So, I’m feeling good and looking forward to the start of the season.
“I wouldn’t call what happened a blessing.
“But looking back maybe it will be a good thing getting that rest and letting my body recover, because I played a lot of football compared to previous years.
“So fingers crossed in the long run I’ll be looking back thinking it was a good thing not to go.”
Rangers could have Goldson replacement in John Souttar
When Goldson got dropped by Philippe Clement, it was Souttar that became the lead centre-half.
The Scotland international’s passing and ability to drive out of defence are two of the main reasons he was signed.
If Goldson joins Aris Limassol, as has been widely reported, not only will Souttar be expected to fill his boots in a playing sense, he will also have to step up in terms of leadership too.
Souttar wore the armband against Ajax when he was on the park with Butland being named skipper against Man Utd.
There is every chance that this could form the make up of Clement’s new leadership group.
With 41 appearances last season, Souttar looked to be over the worst of his previous injury issues and will be hoping to play even more in this campaign with a full pre-season behind him.
Goldson, ignoring his faults, has only been injured twice in his six years at the club, playing an incredible 309 games in he process.
For context that is more than Souttar has managed in 10 years as a professional.
Souttar is approaching his peak years now and will be wanting to prove that he can be the main man in defence – in a head to head analysis, he comes out on top against Goldson in every metric except one.
If he does, he shouldn’t just get his place in the Scotland squad back, he should be starting and adding to his nine caps too.
