John Souttar lays down personal aims as defender plans to grasp Rangers opportunity.
John Souttar has an unending supply of opportunities in front of him. The Rangers defender’s short-term goal is to maintain his production. With Connor Goldson’s suspension for the midweek league encounter against Hibs, Souttar may be given the opportunity to start for the third time in a row.
There are also broader goals. Rangers aim to win three more trophies, including the Viaplay Cup, and 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.
“Yeah, I feel good,” he confirmed. “The gaffer has obviously been rotating me, Balo [Leon Balogun] and 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.”
Souttar was generally expected to establish himself in Scotland after making his debut in 2018, but injuries have prevented him from doing so. With only seven caps to his record, including one in the last 18 months, the 27-year-old is not guaranteed a spot in Steve Clarke’s Euros team, but it offers him something to strive for. “Absolutely,” he answered, when asked if it’s in his thoughts.
“I feel terrific right now. I am feeling fit. I haven’t felt anything in a long time, so whatever occurs this summer will take care of itself. But I’m confident that if I perform well for Rangers and stay fit, I’ll have a decent opportunity. For the time being, however, all of my attention is focused here.”
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