'Take a bow'... Rangers star branded 'incredible' as Scotland beat Poland
11/18/2024 04:39 PM
Scotland have returned to something resembling the sort of form that a team packed with Premier League and Serie A players should have.
At the heart of their resurgence though, is a familiar face and one who, in the last two international breaks, has been a standout for his country.
John Souttar, arguably, was only recalled due to injuries to players like Jack Hendry and Ryan Porteous, however, the Rangers centre-half impressed even the most difficult to please of pundits in the shape of Michael Stewart.
John Souttar praised for Scotland display by Michael Stewart
In what became something of a game of basketball between Scotland and Poland, with chances at both ends of the park, it was Souttar doing the hard graft and attempting to keep their Nations League opponents at bay.
During a lull in the first half, Stewart on YouTube commented on how "outstanding" Souttar had been since returning to the starting XI and when asked what quality in particular the 28-year old brought to the defence, he said, "he reads the game really well."
It didn't end there for Souttar, with Scotland looking for a second and Poland looking for an equaliser, the Rangers No.5 made a goal-line block after Craig Gordon was beated:
"John Souttar, what a block! That is quite incredible," praised Stewart.
"That block from John Souttar is as good as a goal, John Souttar take a bow, top drawer defending there."
Souttar then went one better with a stunning cross for Andy Robertson to score Scotland’s winner.
“Exquisite” is how Stewart described the Gers defender’s incredible contribution this time.
What does Souttar have to do to win over Rangers fans?
Souttar has been Rangers most consistent defender over the last two seasons after a difficult start to his Ibrox career, but he still has a tendency to suffer lapses in concentration.
In the last game before the international break, Souttar nearly cost his side a goal with a weak pass-back to Jack Butland, a simple situation under no real pressure that almost led to an equaliser being conceded.
If he can iron those mistakes out of his game, he would have a strong claim to the captain's armband.
As he has been for Scotland, Souttar is capable of excellent performances, now he needs to do it when it matters most – against Celtic.
