Scotland media react to John Souttar as Rangers star in Hampden nightmare
Rangers currently have several stars in international action, with particular attention paid to John Souttar as he represents Scotland.
Steve Clarke’s men whimpered to a 3-0 defeat at Hampden Park by Greece on Sunday (23 March), finding themselves demoted to League B of the UEFA Nations League.
The most disappointing factor of all for the Tartan Army was the 1-0 aggregate lead from Piraeus that Scotland had brought home with them (20 March), only to be utterly dominated by the Greeks three days later.
Souttar and his teammates were duly reflected upon in the Scottish media following their performances.
Souttar comments made by Scottish press after Greece nightmare
Souttar‘s international camp with Scotland was strangely reminiscent of his season at Rangers and the wider campaign of his teammates.
A well-fought win like the one in Greece last Thursday, coupled with a shocking home defeat under pressure, is an all-too-familiar recognition for Gers fans this term.
Souttar’s performance was analysed by those in attendance at Hampden, describing him as “Scotland’s best defender on the night” and praising his intervention to stop the scoreline from worsening.
There was also an admission that the Rangers man was unable to match his “colossal” display in outer Athens three days prior.
The Daily Record (23 March) gave Souttar a 6/10 rating, adding: “Scotland’s best defender on the night – which sadly isn’t saying much. Made a good clearance off the line to stop it going to four.”
Also issuing the Rangers ace with a 6/10 among several fours and fives was The Herald (23 March), who wrote: “Colossal in Greece but unable to emulate that performance at Hampden. Saved it from being four goals conceded on 66 minutes with a last-gasp hooked clearance off the line after Pavlidis dinked over Gordon.”
“Somehow, Souttar clears the ball after Grant Hanley is sold a dummy by Pavlidis,” The Guardian (23 March) pointed out, midway through the second half, when he stopped Greece’s rout hitting four.
Rangers glad to keep Souttar fit
Despite his inconsistencies, Souttar at his best is a phenomenal defender at times and a massive cog in Rangers’ shakily functional machine.
Barry Ferguson will have watched his former national side with intent, ensuring he didn’t have to watch his Rangers squad lose a key player.
Souttar’s brother, Harry, is, of course, a regular international for Australia, but the Leicester City defender was absent from the Socceroos’ camp due to an ongoing ankle injury.
| John Souttar – Rangers 2024/25 | |
| Appearances | 32 |
| Minutes | 2,691 |
| Goals | 1 |
Souttar’s hit-and-miss time with Scotland is nothing he isn’t used to with Rangers, who are now luckily able to look forward to his return to Auchenhowie.
It’s very soon to be all-systems-go for the Scottish Premiership trip to Dundee this Saturday (29 March), looking to pick up where they left off from another memorable Old Firm clash at Celtic Park (16 March).