John Souttar admits he finally ‘feels like a Rangers player’ after 220 days away
John Souttar claims he finally feels “like a Rangers player” and has backed himself to make an impact next season after injury saw him sidelined for most of the last campaign.
The Scotsman missed 220 days last season through an ankle injury [Transfermarkt] after arriving from Hearts in 2022 but managed to earn regular football towards the end of Rangers campaign.
However, the 26-year-old is aware of Rangers fans’ trepidation following his injury but claims this season is “a big campaign” for him and he is ready to get back into regular first-team action.
Souttar said, via the Daily Record: “It’s natural for fans to question if I can stay fit because I was injured last year. That’s just a fact, so I understand it. It’s something that I have to accept and do my best to prove wrong.
“The more games I play, the less they’ll feel like that. That’s why it’s my aim to play as many games as I can this season. It’s not even so much about proving other people wrong – I have to prove to myself. Since I came back from injury, that’s all I’ve wanted to do – to stay injury free and bring as much success as possible to this club.
“I feel good and as fit as I have in a long time. I’ve had a good pre-season and I feel sharp. It’s a big season for me personally because obviously last year didn’t go the way I wanted it to. But that just makes this season all the more important. It’s definitely a big campaign for me.
“I feel like a Rangers player now and that just comes from playing games. I feel comfortable within the group now, comfortable playing in this team and I’m ready to show people what I can do.”
Comeback
Souttar has only played 12 league matches for Rangers since his switch from Hearts as injury blighted his big move.
Now, the centre-back looks set to make a comeback and can finally prove to Rangers fans that he was worth the punt after his Hearts contract expired.
The injury came at a terrible time, with Souttar joining the club to much anticipation and fanfare from fans and staff alike. Upon his signing, Rangers’ ex-Sporting Director Ross Wilson claimed he has “so much potential ahead for the coming years” [Rangers], so hopefully now he has the chance to fulfil this potential.
Coming back from injury can be tough physically and mentally for a player, but the Scotland international looks to be in a strong headspace and keen on bringing success to the club.
He has come back at a good time for the club also, as Michael Beale continues to recruit exciting attacking additions including Danilo from Feyenoord and Cyriel Dessers.
Naturally, it would make sense for the backroom staff at Ibrox to be concerned about playing Souttar, and the signing of veteran Leon Balogun could mean Souttar struggles to get game time early in the season. But the potential is there and his quality was obvious before his injury.
Before his injury, Souttar was providing impressive performances which reflects in his stats. He won 7.53 ground duels per 90 (95th percentile) and 4.57 aerial duels per 90 (97th percentile) [FootyStats], showing him to be an aggressive presence in the back line.
But he needs time to prove himself and get back to this kind of form, so patience is key for both the player and the fans.
In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson has tipped two Ibrox stars to depart the club as their contracts run down.