Scotland assistant John Carver claimed that Rangers star John Souttar had the bit between his teeth on national team duties this October.
Whilst Steve Clarke’s squad is currently hamstrung with injury issues, with crisis comes opportunity as Rangers star Souttar looks to cement his place in the nation’s starting XI.
Dropped for Euro 2024 and without a Scotland appearance since March, Souttar earned plaudits for his display from the start in the 2-1 UEFA Nations League defeat to Croatia.
And speaking after what was his first Scotland start in over two years, John Souttar has also been proving his Rangers leadership credentials as he puts an arm around Scotland’s brightest young talent.
John Souttar protects Liverpool talent
Whilst it was John Souttar hogging the Scotland headlines from a Rangers point of view, outside of Ibrox all eyes were fixated on one player.
Liverpool talent Ben Doak made his first start for Scotland in the defeat to Croatia and impressed watching fans with his energy and quality on the ball in the final third.
Still only 18-years-old, there is a big way to go for Doak but there is a growing hype around the nation that the Anfield talent can be the next big thing in Scottish football.
On loan at English Championship side Middlesbrough this season, Doak has impressed with one goal in five games for the Teesiders.
Asked about Ben Doak as Scotland prepare to host Portugal at Hampden in the UEFA Nations League this week, John Souttar has sent a reminder to the fans and the press.
With the teenager only just finding his way in the game, 28-year-old Souttar has tempered expectations and urged Doak to just enjoy his football.
“Yeah, he was really good,” Souttar said, as quoted by STV. “It’s just important to focus on that and look at what he did without putting too much pressure on him.
“We should let him enjoy his football and give him that freedom.
“Don’t put pressure on a young boy – just let him go out and perform. I thought he was excellent.
“He’s 18. He’s so young. He’s just got to enjoy it.”
John Souttar emerges as Scotland and Rangers leader
The comments from John Souttar detail the leadership credentials that have saw the defender step into a key role in the Rangers team.
Forming something of a solid partnership with Dutch defender Robin Propper in recent weeks, Souttar has been given an increased responsibility this season following the exit of Connor Goldson.
The defender’s leadership was even hailed by Kris Boyd earlier in the season.
It’s been an important period for the 28-year-old centre-back who has finally begun to find some consistency in his career after a series of injury problems.
Rangers are benefitting with Souttar now a key member of the team.
Reports earlier in the campaign suggested Rangers are set to reward Souttar with a new contract and going by his on and off pitch impact it’s easy to see why.
Let’s hope the defender can play a key role for club and country going forward with Souttar eyeing a second Scotland start on the bounce against Portugal.
