Celtics FC player John Souttar sets aside

personal goals while defender prepares to

Celtics FC player John Souttar sets aside personal goals while defender prepares to seize Rangers’

opportunity.

While he enjoys a longer stretch of fitness, the center-half is also keeping an eye on Scotland.

There are countless opportunities in front of John Souttar. The short-term objective of the Rangers

defender is to continue producing. As Connor Goldson is suspended for the league match against Hibs

on Wednesday, Souttar might have the chance to start for the third straight week.

are motivated by the opportunity to represent Scotland in the European Championships this summer.

Souttar has been through enough heartache to never take anything for granted, but the former Hearts

player remains optimistic as he assesses what may lie ahead.

Ben [Davies]. Connor has come out for a couple of games. It’s just about making sure that when you are

in, you take that opportunity. For me, it’s about staying fit, staying healthy and when I’m playing,

making sure I’m on it. We’ve got a lot of games coming up.

We just got through a period of high activity over the holiday season. It’s natural to sustain injuries

during such frantic runs with boys playing as many minutes as they do. As the next hectic period

approaches, everyone will be needed again. The manager has already stated that, so having players

like Borna [Barisic], Ryan [Jack], and Tom [Lawrence] back is huge for us, not only off the pitch but also

on it.”

The Rangers players rolled back the years to ensure safe passage through their fourth round Scottish

Cup tie away to Dumbarton on Saturday night in conditions and on a pitch that many wouldn’t have

experienced since the early days of their careers.

“We’ve all played in these before,” added Souttar. “This is what Scottish football is all about. I enjoyed it!

I grew up playing on pitches like that. Everyone who has come through the ranks. You play on different

fields and parks and they are all like that. Obviously I haven’t played on like that for a few years but this

is what the cup is all about and I really enjoyed it.”

injuries have kept him from doing so. The 27-year-old is not guaranteed a berth in Steve Clarke’s Euros

squad, having only won seven caps, including one in the last 18 months, but it gives him something to

aim for. When inquired as to whether it was on his mind, he responded, “Absolutely.”

“I’m feeling great at the moment. I feel in good shape. I’m not feeling anything right now, so whatever

happens this summer will work itself out. But I think I’ll have a good chance if I play well for Rangers

and continue to be healthy. But for the moment, this is where I’m concentrating all of my effort.