John Souttar ‘bordering on heroic’ after what Rangers star was just spotted doing
Rangers star John Souttar played his part as Scotland defeated Greece 1-0 on Thursday in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League play-off.
Scotland’s place in Nations League A is at stake, but Steve Clarke’s men hold a one-goal advantage heading into their second leg at Hampden Park courtesy of Scott McTominay’s penalty.
Clarke’s side found themselves under lots of pressure, particularly in the second half, but the backline answered everything the Greek forwards threw at them.
Souttar’s efforts were particularly impressive and the Rangers man looks set to be given the nod in Scotland’s starting 11 once more come Sunday.
Keith Jackson stunned by Souttar heroics
In his last outing at club level, Souttar helped Rangers defeat bitter rivals Celtic 3-2 in the Old Firm Derby on 16 March.
| John Souttar stats | 2024/25 Scottish Premiership |
| Appearances | 17 |
| Tackles won % | 81.8 |
| Duels won % | 65.0 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
When he pulled on his nation’s jersey just four days later, the former Hearts man made sure that he would be on the winning side once more.
Keith Jackson was wowed, writing in the Daily Record [21 March]: “Clarke’s back four was bordering on the heroic with Grant Hanley, John Souttar and Tony Ralston throwing themselves head first at anything that came even remotely close to getting in their way.”
The Gers will need Souttar at his best in the coming weeks
For the time being, Souttar’s mind will be fully focused on producing yet another strong performance in Scotland colours in their upcoming second-leg tie with Greece.
But after the international break, it is Rangers who will be calling upon the 28-year-old’s impressive services once again.
Barry Ferguson’s men can no longer win any of the domestic trophies in Scotland, but they will be looking to enjoy a strong ending to an otherwise poor campaign, and Souttar could have a big part to play in making that possible.
Most importantly of all for Rangers, though, they have progressed to the Europa League quarter-finals where they will go toe-to-toe with La Liga side Bilbao.
To get the better of a Bilbao outfit who sit fourth in the Spanish top-flight, the Bears will need Souttar to emulate the sort of heroics he showed for Scotland in Greece, in the second leg, away from home, on 17 April.