Kris Boyd shares why he feels sorry for John Souttar ahead of Rangers clash v Celtic
Kris Boyd admits he has sympathy for John Souttar as the midfielder is asked to play on his weaker side in central defence.
Souttar caught the eye in the Gers’ 4-1 win over Kilmarnock on Sunday (5 May) as he got himself on the scoresheet.
The Scotland international has come in for criticism at times, but Boyd says what he is being asked to do is not easy.
“You do sometimes feel sorry for Souttar,” he said on Sky Sports Football [5 May, 3:18pm]. “He’s a good all-round player but is asked to play on the left-hand side.
“It’s not easy – when you get the ball there you’re going back into traffic. On the right, he can drive forward with his first touch.”
John Souttar set to start for Rangers at Celtic
Souttar has been a regular at the back for Rangers, even if his defensive partner has changed alongside him due to Connor Goldson being out.
The 27-year-old is in the side to keep the opposition out, rather than net himself, but it is always nice to get on the scoresheet.
Souttar will be on the teamsheet when the Gers head to Celtic Park next weekend, with Leon Balogun alongside him.
The pair have to be on the absolute top of their game if the Light Blues are to pick up the victory that is quite simply required.
As Boyd says, you have to take into the equation what Souttar’s favourite foot is and his position in the side.
If the Gers do manage to overcome Celtic, he would have played as big a part as anyone in the title triumph.
In other Rangers news, Maurice Ross was surprised by a selection decision Clement made against Kilmarnock.
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