SOUTTAR MAKING HIS MARK WITH THE POTTERS, BUT HE HAS TOKYO AS A KEY TARGET...
HARRY Souttar has travelled far and wide in his young career, but he’s hoping to add Tokyo to his list of football destinations.
The 21-year-old Stoke City defender spent his early career with Dundee United, before hopping across the border to sign for the Potters in August 2017.
He’s packed his bags for temporary stints away from the bet365 Stadium with Ross County and Fleetwood Town, but his next objective requires a passport.
Aberdeen-born Souttar has two international caps for Australia - he qualifies through his mother Heather - and is targeting a place in next summer’s Olympics.
The Games were due to be held this year, but have been pushed back 12 months because of t he coronavirus pandemic.
Souttar made his senior international debut in 2019 against Nepal - scoring twice in a 5-0 win in Canberra - before he netted two more in a 7-1 victory over Chinese Taipei.
“It was brilliant to break in to the Australia team. I think the last time I was there was nearly a year ago with things being shut down and cancelled,” he said.
“Hopefully I will get back to playing international football soon. I’d love to be picked to play in the Olympics next year.
“That’s certainly the plan. It would be an unbelievable experience, so it’s an opportunity I’m hoping to get.”
Being afforded opportunities is something which Souttar has sought since he moved to Stoke.
He featured in EFL Trophy games, before two loan spells at Fleetwood Town enhanced his development.
Last season he helped Joey Barton’s men to the League One play-offs, where they lost in the semi-finals to Wycombe.
“It has been hard work, but it has been what I wanted. I knew it was best to go out and get professional football and play games,” added Souttar.
“When I went to Fleetwood the first time I absolutely loved it, just everything about it - the coaching staff and the players. They gave me a chance down here in England.
“There was then the chance to go out on loan again and there was only one place I was going to go back to.
“All credit to them and the coaching staff because I’ve matured as a player. They showed me things that I didn’t necessarily know as a defender.
“And playing games has helped to make me more experienced and working out what to do. Every day was a learning experience from me.”
While he was away on loan, though, Stoke City was close at hand.
Fleetwood assistant boss Clint Hill is a former Potter, while another ex Stoke man, Glenn Whelan, continues to patrol the midfield for the Cod Army.
“I spoke to Clint about his time at Stoke,” said Souttar. “Everyone knows what a good player he was for Stoke and how many games he played. It was a case of trying to get information from him.
“Glenn signed for Fleetwood last January. In my first year at Stoke he was here, but it was nice to play on the pitch with him rather than just train.”
Souttar’s loan spells have certainly reaped rewards - both for the player and the Potters.
He has made five appearances for Michael O’neill side this season, including the last two Championship matches before the international break.
“I had a couple of chats with the manager when I first came back and he told me what the plans were for the season,” he said.
“We had honest conversations and it was good because I knew what he wanted from me.
“It’s been good. I wouldn’t say the Championship is any faster or stronger than League One.
“Teams are a bit more respectful. The first time I played in the Championship against Preston, they had a high press, whereas Birmingham last week sat off.
“In League One it was about pressing in every game, so it’s more tactical in the Championship.”