Scotland media react to Rangers star Souttar after ‘shambles’ defeat v Iceland
Rangers defender John Souttar had a mixed evening as Scotland were defeated 3-1 by Iceland.
The Tartan Army were looking to gain momentum ahead of their World Cup Qualifiers against Denmark and Belarus in September.
Steve Clarke‘s side were humiliated at Hampden Park on Friday, though, by a team that are 30 places behind them in the FIFA rankings.
They will be hoping to bounce back against Liechtenstein on Monday (9 June) and restore some confidence ahead of those crucial matches.
Souttar earns mixed reviews away from Rangers
Souttar has been a shining light for the Gers in a dismal domestic campaign but his form did not carry over to the international stage.
The Light Blues star scored the equaliser with a header from close range but his defensive display was slammed by some outlets.
The Herald awarded the 28-year-old a 7/10, saying: “Rangers man made it 1-1 with a fine header. Souttar adeptly made use of his physical frame to power away from his marker and divert the ball into the back of the net for his second international goal. Had little to do in the way of defending.”
The Scottish Daily Mail gave him a 5/10 rating, saying: “Equalised with a close-range header but should have done better in the shambles that gifted Iceland a second goal.”
Edinburgh News handed the Gers ace a rating of six, saying: “Stooped down low to head home the equaliser from Johnston’s corner after wriggling away from his marker. Part of a leaky defensive line, though.”
The Scotsman gave him a 5/10, saying: “Took his goal really, powering home from close range, but part of a defence that had a really poor night.”
Souttar will be vital asset for Russell Martin at Rangers
The veteran will be a crucial asset for the new Bears boss Martin as he looks to settle in at Ibrox after being appointed as Barry Ferguson’s successor.
Souttar has been a rock at the back, and his latest display with the national team was a rare off-night for the former Hearts ace after a brilliant campaign under Ferguson and Philippe Clement.
| Stats | Souttar v Iceland |
| Goals | 1 |
| Clearances | 5 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Ground duels won | 2/2 (100%) |
| Aerial duels won | 3/3 (100%) |
His fitness will be the main issue as he featured in just 24 Scottish Premiership matches this season, and 10 in the Europa League campaign, which ultimately ended at the quarter-final stage by Athletic Bilbao.
There is a huge drop off when he is not in the side and Martin needs him to stay fit, as he is a leader at the back and a huge asset in terms of bringing the ball out from the back, recording a 90.8 per cent pass accuracy.
Despite defeat in a leaky defence, on a personal level, Souttar dominated in his stats.
Martin will hope that he can bounce back from the Scotland defeat and come back to Govan ready to lead the revolution when the new season comes around.