John Souttar picked apart after latest scenes away from Rangers – ‘Devastating’
Rangers defender John Souttar has been torn to shreds after Scotland fell to defeat against Greece on Saturday.
Souttar linked up with Scotland for the international break, knowing that wins were needed to push the Tartan Army towards the 2026 World Cup.
Steve Clarke’s side fell at the first hurdle after losing 3-2 away in Greece, with Souttar starting as his Rangers contract hangs in the balance.
Rangers could soon offer Souttar a new deal, but that won’t change the impression of the centre-back for the national team.
Having tasted defeat in Athens, Souttar has come under increasing scrutiny away from Ibrox as he arguably cost Scotland a better result on the night.
John Souttar cost Scotland vs Greece
Ally McCoist fumed at Souttar against Roma as the defender put in yet another frustrating performance before going on to lose
Scotland needed to beat Greece, but got off to the worst possible start as Anastasios Bakasetas gave Craig Gordon no chance after seven minutes.
Unfortunately for Danny Rohl and the Light Blues, it was Souttar who was to blame for the 32-year-old’s opening strike.
An aimless long ball was played upfield by the Greek keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos and was given the freedom to bounce in midfield.
This seemingly impacted the Rangers man as he misjudged its flight and allowed Vangelis Pavlidis in behind, before Bakasetas went on to open the scoring.
James McFadden wasn’t one for holding back against Souttar on BBC Sportscene as he ripped into the defender, saying: “That is a nightmare. John Souttar initially totally misjudges the flight of the ball. It’s too easy.”
Billy Dodds echoed the thoughts of his co-presenter, as he added: “It’s a devastating blow. John Souttar gets himself into all sorts of trouble when it comes to Tasos Bakasetas he reverses it with power. It’s the worst possible start.“
Rangers still must offer new contract to Souttar
Fans may see this error in judgment from the defender and immediately decide that he isn’t good enough to feature at Ibrox.
The mistake may ultimately cost Scotland a place at the 2026 World Cup, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t good enough for Rangers.
Souttar has been a regular for the Gers since signing in 2022 and represents a senior head in an otherwise inexperienced squad in certain areas.
Rohl wants to keep the centre-half around, and even after this error, it would be wise to tie his future to Govan, although he may have to win fans back around if the Tartan Army don’t go to America next summer.
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