Harry Souttar admits Rangers speculation has been ‘tough’ as he issues Leicester City declaration
Harry Souttar has admitted “it’s been tough” amid speculation linking him with a move to Rangers which didn’t end up happening.
The Leicester defender spoke on the situation whilst on international duty with Australia, via Football Scotland (11 September), acknowledging the suggestions in the media that he was in line for a loan move, while reaffirming his commitment to the Foxes now the window is shut.
Souttar, 24, was said to be “excited” to join his brother John at Ibrox while the Light Blues were looking to make the move a reality late in the window, but a move ultimately failed with Ben Davies unwilling to leave before the deadline.
Souttar said: “It’s been tough. I think there were a lot of things mentioned in the press about going on loan.
“I am a Leicester player. I’m going to do everything in my power to try to get back into the squad.
“Obviously it’s the manager’s decision so all I can do is work hard and try to prove to him that I can get back in the squad.”
Missed opportunity
Reading between the lines it would suggest that there was some scope for Souttar to head to Glasgow, especially since he hasn’t featured once yet this season at the King Power.
But how realistic it was at any point is harder to say, and is ultimately immaterial for the next few months at least, since Davies went nowhere and the club had denied they were after this move [Rangers Review, 28 August].
A goal in Australia’s 2-2 draw with Mexico on Sunday (10 September) has renewed the focus on Souttar, and perhaps made Michael Beale all the more disappointed that nothing was possible before the deadline.
The Ibrox boss has found himself facing questions over his job after losing to Celtic in the first Old Firm derby of the season, having failed to reach the Champions League group stage.
Sloppy errors at the back have contributed to a stuttering start to the season, and while it is impossible to say whether the addition of the younger Souttar brother would have the difference there is a growing sense that the summer business is a lot further off a success than first thought.
The expensively assembled new forward line has been in the spotlight as much as anything, and while the likes of Danilo and Cyriel Dessers have shown flashes it looks like a work in progress still.
In other Rangers news, Michael Stewart has blasted the club over their handling of an unsettled player who could leave.