John Souttar undroppable after what Rangers gem did for Scotland v Portugal

John Souttar's performance against Portugal makes the Rangers man Scotland's "number-one choice" in central defence, Willie Miller has said.

Speaking on BBC Sportscene commentary (15 October, 9:49pm), the former Scotland international said that Souttar and veteran Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon are both now undroppable in Steve Clarke's side.

Souttar and Gordon performed heroically in defence to help the Tartan Army attain a clean sheet with a 0-0 draw against Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal at Hampden Park on Tuesday (15 October).

Miller said: "In this double-header, I think something quite significant has happened.

"In that Craig Gordon, I would argue, now is number-one choice [in goal], and I think John Souttar is number-one choice at centre-half.

"That's two guys in two games, I think have played their way in. No matter who's fit – these two guys start now."

John Souttar must bring strong Scotland form back to Rangers

Despite being 28 years old, Souttar's back-to-back Scotland starts against Croatia and Portugal over the international break saw the defender win just his 10th and 11th caps for the Tartan Army.

Frequently overlooked for the likes of Grant Hanley, Ryan Porteous, Scott McKenna and Jack Hendry, Souttar's impervious start to the season at Ibrox has made him impossible for Clarke to ignore.

As a result, and having put in two rock-solid performances despite Saturday's defeat to Croatia (12 October), Souttar is now being backed to keep the shirt he has waited a long time to earn for Scotland.

With his stock rising, Souttar must now return to Auchenhowie and translate his impressive international form into domestic displays, further developing his partnership with new signing Robin Propper.

Philippe Clement's side have been relatively watertight this season – barring a few very porous moments – and the best way for that defensive record to continue is for Souttar to continue this strong run of form.

In other Rangers news, one Auchenhowie youngster is keen to emulate the achievements of a legendary Light Blues goalkeeper.

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