Souttar’s seen the light at Hearts
HEARTS star John Souttar is drawing inspiration from Chelsea icon John Terry as he attempts to balance defensive dominance with silky soccer.
The 19-year-old arrived at Tynecastle from Dundee United in January and, despite initially being signed as a hot prospect for the future, he forced his way into the first-team and made 16 appearances for the Gorgie boys last term.
While not as consistent as boss Robbie Neilson would like, several classy displays underlined exactly why ‘Soapy’ was so highly-rated, becoming the youngest player ever to represent United, making his debut aged 16 years and 99 days.
However, his career stalled amid some patchy performances and an ongoing debate regarding what his strongest position was, with the teenager shunted from centre-half to right-back to midfield.
Souttar also endured criticism for ‘over-playing’ at the back and, having “seen the light” under Neilson, the Scotland under-21 cap insists he is maturing on the pitch.
“I know at times I have overplayed which is something a lot of young centre halves do,” he said honestly. “But you don’t come in at 19 years old and be the finished article.
“As I get physically stronger I am working my hardest behind the scenes to make myself a better player.
“Since coming here I have maybe seen the light and I have enjoyed it.”
Souttar has endured a steep learning curve off the pitch, admitting leaving Tayside has seen him grow up quickly.
“When I was in Dundee I was in my own comfort zone,” he admitted. “Now I have moved down here and I am totally out of that.”
For all the positivity and progress, whether Hearts have the quality to see off Brendan Rodgers’ reigning champions at Tynecastle this afternoon is another matter entirely.
The Jambos’ last outing was a chastening one as they crashed out of Europe at the hands of Maltese minnows Birkirkara.
Nevertheless Souttar is adamant the Jambos are ready to give Rodgers an SPFL baptism of fire.
“When you play Celtic you need to believe in yourself - and believe you are good enough,” said a determined Souttar. “I think as a group we do, we are maturing all the time and learning.”