Rangers-bound John Souttar receives high praise from Hearts teammate
John Souttar is scheduled to join Rangers at the end of the season but there is still a chance that the Scot could be playing in blue this month.
He played his first game for Hearts since agreeing the deal at Ibrox on Tuesday and received a hostile reception from the Jambos fans.
Hearts went on to beat St. Johnstone 2-0 that night and Souttar rose above the boos to help keep a clean sheet as Josh Ginnelly scored both goals.
The 24-year-old has been speaking to the Scotsman about Souttar’s resilient attitude to his welcome and the kind of player Rangers will be getting.
“He was brilliant and it speaks volumes for John,” Ginnelly said. “He’s gone out there and he was the loudest man on the pitch as per usual. He’s just a world-class player.
“You have to give him credit. Of course, something has happened with him but we are just so happy he is here. He’s massive for us so a huge well done to him.
“I don’t think there’s any limit to how far he can go [in the game] to be honest. I’ve had a couple of games in the Championship and I’ve seen big centre-halves there and I think he’s got everything to his game.
“He’s been quite unfortunate with the injuries he’s had but in terms of the mental side, I know for a fact that if I had been through what he’s been through I wouldn’t be here today.
“Massive credit to him, he’s just a top guy and a brilliant football player.”
A glowing review
That is not a bad thing to hear for Rangers fans by any stretch of the imagination.
We have known for a while that Souttar is a highly-talented player and his injuries haven’t helped him in the short term but in the long run, they have highlighted his mental toughness.
The 25-year-old will need all of that and more if he is to be a success at Ibrox and all the signs are pointing towards a good period with the Gers.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be hoping to strike a deal with Hearts that would see Souttar join the club this month despite the Jambos’ reluctance to see him leave.
Souttar could strike up a really fruitful partnership in defence with Connor Goldson who himself has been loosely linked with a move away from the Scottish Champions.
In other Rangers news, van Bronckhorst will be without his star man for the Old Firm derby.