Barry Ferguson reacts to John Souttar 'surprise' as Rangers exit close

Barry Ferguson has heaped praise on exit-bound Rangers defender John Souttar.

The Scotland international hasn't been part of Derek McInnes' plans and was told to look for a new club at the start of pre-season.

It looks like the centre-back is close to finding a new home, having only recently signed a one-year contract extension at the Light Blues.

Souttar has been an influential member of the team in recent seasons at Ibrox, but Aris could be his next destination.

The 29-year-old worked under Ferguson during his stint as interim manager, and the ex-midfielder has nothing but good things to say about him.

While the Scottish defender has struggled with fitness issues during his time at the Glaswegian outfit, he may still have been able to contribute under McInnes.

What Barry Ferguson has said about John Souttar Rangers exit

Aris have reached an agreement to sign Souttar, with the centre-back expected in Greece shortly.

Ferguson was surprised that McInnes made his feelings known about the Scottish defender and hasn't involved him at Ibrox.

For the Gers icon, the centre-back is someone who still possesses decent quality and can be a real voice in the dressing room.

The ex-midfielder is confident that any team would be lucky to have Souttar.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on 10 September, Ferguson said, "I worked very closely with John for three months, and I've got to be honest with you, he was outstanding for me. A real good professional. He was a really good leader in the dressing room.

"It was a surprise not being involved since the start of the season. Wherever he goes, they're getting a top centre-half in my opinion."

Why Derek McInnes may regret Ibrox transfer decision

McInnes knows how important the domestic competitions will be for Rangers after getting knocked out of Europe.

The Scottish manager is expected to win silverware this season and the first opportunity could come in the Premier Sports Cup.

Ibrox will host Celtic in the quarter-final of the competition on 13 September.

Having someone with Souttar's experience certainly wouldn't have hurt the Glaswegian outfit's prospects.

McInnes is also leaving himself short on options at centre-back, with Emmanuel Fernandez, Olwethu Makhanya and Ben Godfrey the three players he's relying on.

For a team looking to challenge for all three competitions in Scotland, the Govan side may be leaving themselves short in one key position.