Rangers: Ally McCoist slams ‘really poor’ John Souttar for what he did in victory over Hearts
John Souttar was “really poor” as he made a major error in the second half of the Rangers win over Hearts and had to be rescued by his “excellent” captain, according to Ally McCoist.
The Ibrox legend reacted live on the Premier Sports commentary (21 April) after the Scottish defender was easily beaten on the left flank by Kenneth Vargas early in the second half, with the Jambos attacker’s dangerous ball into the box expertly hooked away by James Tavernier with the score at 1-0.
Cyriel Dessers’ two strikes were the difference in the vital 2-0 win, as Philippe Clement’s side booked a place in the final against Celtic, but alongside the commanding Leon Balogun in place of Connor Goldson it was a definitely off day from Souttar, who had a “mare” [Heart & Hand, 21 April].
McCoist said (4.12pm): “It’s really poor from Souttar, really poor from Souttar, and the opposite from Tavernier, he does really well.
“It’s a slackness, a lack of concentration, Vargas is all over him. But Tavernier, I’ve got to say, his defensive position to cut out the cross was excellent.”
Michael Stewart added: “Vargas has got to do better as well, he’s driving into the box there, he’s trying to lift his head to see who’s available, but you can see that Tavernier’s filled that space perfectly.”
James Tavernier returns to form in Rangers win
It looks as if Clement can only hope to ever have one centre-back performing at once this season, with Souttar largely outperforming the off-colour Goldson during an improved second campaign for the club.
But with the manager having reacted to some miserable results to hand the SPFL title initiative to Celtic by dropping the Englishman for Balogun it was the Nigerian international who held things together at the back while the game was still in the balance in the second half.
Tavernier had a strong all-round game after struggling in recent weeks himself, but Souttar had a terrible time when drawn into space behind Dujon Sterling on the left.
The ex-Hearts man was also beaten in similar circumstances by Alan Forrest soon after as he put in one of his worst performances of a relatively-solid season.
Thankfully for Clement and Rangers it wasn’t punished as Tavernier, Goldson, and the excellent Jack Butland held out for a clean sheet.
The overall showing was much better than the draw at Dundee or the loss at Ross County but it was still a far cry from the imperious form exhibited in the New Year, though Clement will hope his side are at least back on track for the run-in having given up their margin for error.
In other Rangers news, an overrated Ibrox ace on high wages is definitely leaving says one pundit.
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