Nation’s defensive drought may be over, insists Souttar

JOHN SOUTTAR believes the long-standing central defensive drought afflicting Scotland’s national team could soon be over — with green shoots of recovery now visible all over the country. Thrilled to have seen Anthony Ralston, Ross McCrorie and Scott McKenna all breaking through at Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen respectively, Hearts first-team starter Souttar detects a definite trend. All four featured for the Scotland Under-21s who beat Holland 2-0 as they kicked off their European Championship qualifiers. And Souttar, thrown into the Dundee United team at 16, is optimistic about their collective future. The 21-year-old said: ‘When you’ve trained and played with these guys, you know they’ve a chance to come through. ‘That’s the good thing about Scotland — you’re going to get the chance if you’re good enough. I’ve only trained with Ross McCrorie in the last squad, then he came on in centre-mid against Holland. ‘You could see his qualities and, from what I hear, he’s played well for Rangers. Hopefully he gets a chance. ‘Tony Ralston and Scott McKenna have also done well — and they’re breaking through at the age when you’d normally expect them to. ‘I’ve played with Scott for the age groups and he’s always been a top player. I knew he would come in and do well.’ Souttar’s meteoric rise feels like half a lifetime ago. Does he even remember what it was like to be hailed as the future of Scotland’s defence? ‘I think only my mum has ever said that to me,’ he laughed. ‘I know how the boys who are being talked up will be feeling — and it can be tough. ‘Everyone has to support them. They will make mistakes but it’s important we stay steady. They have done brilliantly, so everyone has to be delighted. ‘It’s still early days and we’re still very young,’ added Souttar ahead of Hearts’ trip to Dens Park today. ‘I know how hard it can be when you’re put on a pedestal. We’ve got a lot of progressing and developing to do. ‘You will get criticised if you make mistakes. But I think that was a good thing for me. ‘People should get on my back. I’ve played a lot of games and I have high standards, too. So if I do have an off day it’s not just them, I’m frustrated as well.’