Scotland face Poland with renewed hope as John Souttar continues to prove Steve Clarke wrong - opinion
11/18/2024 09:00 AM
Rangers recruitment plan should involve developing players so that they become regulars on the international stage.
Exposure and competing at European level is a given, however, not every player will be able to cement their place in their respective country's squad.
One Rangers player who has become an integral member of Philippe Clement's team and that of his country, is John Souttar, with his latest performances showing why he is such a key squad member for the manager.
John Souttar becomes key Scotland figure
Souttar was surprisingly left out of the Scotland squad for the European Championships with players like Grant Hanley, who had barely kicked a ball all season, preferred by Clarke due to a misplaced loyalty.
Injuries saw Souttar called up again in the last two international breaks and the Rangers No.5 has made an immediate impact – proving just how bad a call it was to leave him out in the first place.
Clarke praised Souttar's reaction to missing the Euros with one quality in particular standing out:
"I know John as a character," Clarke said.
"He is a strong personality who has come back from really significant injuries. It’s great to see him playing regularly with the Rangers and playing as well as he’s playing. He deserves his place in the squad."
Souttar disappointing Europe’s big names
If Scotland's last few games with Souttar has proved anything, it's that he is his country's best centre-half.
Scotland had been leaking goals left, right and centre, until the 28-year old was recalled, but they have now seen two clean sheets in their last two games against Portugal and Croatia.
When Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric aren't happy after a game, you know something has gone right.
After being man of the match against Portugal, Souttar followed up with another fine display against Croatia at Hampden.
Ironically, it now looks like he could be partnered by a player who could have joined him at club level this summer in Scott McKenna.
Now all they have to do is keep Robert Lewandowski quiet…
