Steve Clarke set for Hampden Park change after John Souttar ‘terrible’ away from Rangers
Rangers defender John Souttar may keep his place in the Scotland starting lineup against Denmark on Tuesday in the World Cup qualifiers, Keith Jackson says.
Brian Riemer’s team will travel to Hampden Park on 18 November, and the Tartan Army have the chance to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Souttar had a night to forget against Greece on 15 November away from home, but he’s expected to continue in Scotland’s backline in G42.
Craig Gordon started over Liam Kelly in the 3-2 loss at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Clarke continue with the veteran goalkeeper in between the sticks.
Scott McKenna to start with Rangers defender John Souttar in Scotland vs Denmark
Jackson expects Scott McKenna to replace Grant Hanley as Scotland face Denmark.
The Daily Record journalist believes Clarke will make a defensive change at Hampden Park, with the Dinamo Zagreb defender’s pace coming in handy.
Both Souttar and Hanley didn’t make a case for themselves against Greece, but the Gers centre-back is expected to keep his place in the team.
Speaking on Hotline Live on 17 November, Jackson said: “Souttar certainly didn’t have his finest game in Greece on Saturday night. Terrible mistake on the first goal. I don’t know what he was doing, it was schoolboy stuff. But he’s better than that. And I’m saying Hanley comes out. I thought Hanley got skinned on the second goal in the breakaway as well.”
The journalist added: “They certainly don’t come out with fine colours. And I’m sure there’ll be arguments out there that they should both be replaced. I think he’ll bring McKenna in. McKenna offers you that pace, and I think we’ll need that because Hampden, big pitch, if you get caught on the counter, you need all the pace you can get.”
Souttar hasn’t been in the best of form at Ibrox, but the 29-year-old has been consistently good for Scotland in recent months, barring the Greece game.
Ibrox hierarchy have John Souttar dilemma
Danny Rohl will surely want Souttar’s contract situation sorted, with the defender’s current deal expiring at the end of the season.
Rangers aren’t blessed with much quality at centre-back, with Emmanuel Fernandez and Clinton Nsiala barely playing, and Nasser Djiga and Derek Cornelius on loan.
| Player | Age |
| James Tavernier | 34 |
| Liam Kelly | 29 |
| John Souttar | 29 |
| Kieran Dowell | 28 |
| Derek Cornelius | 27 |
| Kieran Wright | 26 |
| Rabbi Matondo | 25 |
| Max Aarons | 25 |
| Nasser Djiga | 22 |
| Bailey Rice | 19 |
| Jayden Meghoma | 19 |
| Mikey Moore | 18 |
The Olympique Marseille loanee has undoubtedly been the most reliable defender for the Light Blues this season, but it remains to be seen whether the buy option in his deal is triggered.
Losing Souttar would certainly be a big blow for the Glaswegian outfit, but if they’re planning on a significant revamp of the squad next summer, there might be a dilemma regarding extending the Scotland international’s stay at Ibrox after his recent dip in form.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @ibroxnews247