Were destined for big things

JOHN RANKIN insists he knew talented trio Andrew Robertson, Ryan Gauld and John Souttar were destined for the top when they were kids at Dundee United.

Despite injuries hindering his progress, John Souttar has gone on to win three caps for Scotland and is a mainstay at Hearts when fit.

Gauld made a shock switch to Sporting Lisbon in 2014 and, although he failed to make the breakthrough with the Portuguese giants, is now in the form of his life with second-tier side Farense and on course to be playing topflight football next season.

Robertson’s rise, meanwhile, has been the most stunning of the lot, initially joining Hull six years ago before earning a switch to Liverpool and becoming a Champions League winner last season.

Depending on how the English Premier League is concluded, Robertson – now Scotland captain – is almost certain to become claim the title this term.

And former Tannadice midfielder Rankin is adamant their tireless work ethic, which sometimes raised eyebrows among team-mates, ensured they would make the grade.

Rankin recalled: “Andy Robertson, Ryan Gauld, John Souttar pushed themselves to the absolute maximum.

“You would see them out with parachutes doing sprints in the afternoon at St Andrews [United’s training ground].

“Boys would be saying,

‘Soapy [Souttar], what are you doing?’ and I’m saying, ‘Just leave him – if he wants to go and do extra, he’ll only be better for it’.

“You can’t force everyone to do extra, and everyone is different, but those three pushed each other to the absolute limit.

You just look at what Andy has achieved, winning the Champions League, and that comes from doing everything to improve himself.”

Rankin, now playing for

Clyde and a youth coach at Hearts, was reflecting on his career on the Lower League Ramblings podcast.

And the 36-year-old has opened up on the moment he knew he was fated not to