Gers £1.7m transfer decision vindicated as Boyd makes 'bravery' judgement'

09/16/2024 07:00 AM

Rangers overcame a stuffy Dundee United after making it harder than it should have been with a win being all that matters until confidence is restored.

One of the key reasons why Philippe Clement saw his side emerge victorious was the resolute defending and restriction of chances that Jack Butland had to deal with.

At the heart of the improvement was John Souttar, who walked away with the man of the match award and is fast becoming an integral member of the Rangers starting XI.

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John Souttar leading Rangers from the back

Speaking on Sky Sports, Kris Boyd was impressed with the former Dundee Utd defender's performance with the £1.7m departure of Connor Goldson proving to be key in his recent form:

"Just think his leadership, that bravery to step into the game, I think. When Connor Goldson was there, he was always the one who moved to the left-hand side, but he seems more natural on that right hand.

“I think John Souter, there's more to come from. I just hope that he can stay injury free because it always seems to be when he gets a run of games together, something happens. Touchwood, that doesn't happen."

Boyd is right, even against Celtic, Souttar did little wrong and it has been the same for most of the season, he has been Rangers most consistent centre-half.

There were worries about the Scotland international's injury record, however, aside from his first season at the club, his availability has been good.

Now, on his favoured side of defence, he can show what he is really capable of.

Souttar knows that Rangers best is yet to come

Collecting his man of the match award from goalscorer Tom Lawrence, Souttar was fully aware that performances will need to continue to improve:

“We probably made it difficult for ourselves second half,” the Light Blues centre-back explained.

“In the first half I thought we were good, we were in the ascendancy, we moved it well and we got the attacking players on the ball.

“Second half we didn’t do it as much but it is important in games like that away from home that we keep a clean sheet and we know we have the quality who will score goals.

“I think it’s something that we have to do, we did it in spells last season, and we need to do it this season as well.

“I think we’ve got to look forward.

“We’ve got a lot of games until the next international break, six or seven, so we’ve got to go and build momentum.

“We’ve got to create good habits, get everyone together and start getting wins on board and clean sheets.” 

Successful teams are always built on a good defence and Clement will be hoping that he can pick a consistent pairing at the heart of his.

There is still a lot to work on, but the shape out of possession and communication from the likes of Souttar is fundamental if Rangers are to improve and reach the levels that they are capable of, week in, week out.

Goldson was a near ever present over the last six seasons, now it is Souttar's turn to lead from the back and bring success back to Ibrox.