SOUTTAR ‘DESERVES’ HIS DREAM TRANSFER

Aidan Connolly insists his old Dundee United pal John Souttar deserves a lifechanging transfer – as the Raith Rovers ace opened up on his own injury struggles.

Hearts star Souttar, 25, is out of contract at the end of the season and is reportedly attracting interest from Rangers, Celtic and a host of admirers south of the border.

A man of the match performance and memorable goal for Scotland against Denmark underlined his quality.

It was also a night of catharsis for a player who has suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon on three occasions.

Connolly shared a flat with “Soapy”, Andrew Robertson and Ryan Gauld as kids at Tannadice and was moved to contact the whole Souttar family after the magical night at Hampden.

“I texted John, his mum and his dad after the Scotland game,” Connolly told Courier Sport.

“I just wanted to let them know how buzzing I was for him.

“Although I haven’t been through the same problems he has, I know the feeling of being injured and thinking maybe you’ll never get properly fit again. I really hope he stays in the Scotland team, gets a big move and kicks on again because he deserves it.”

With five goals and four assists from 22 outings, Connolly is swift to heap praise on John Mcglynn, confessing that the Rovers boss took a chance on him when many others wouldn’t.

The winger returns to the Falkirk Stadium on Scottish Cup duty this weekend a different player.

“After last season, a lot of teams weren’t interested,” continued Connolly.

“That’s the reality of football. If you aren’t doing well, then people are quick to write you off. But the manager believed in me and I’m determined to repay him for that.”

See also John Souttar story on page 70