PUTTING IN A SHIFT SOUTTS ME TO A TEE
JOHN SOUTTAR used to hate having to do the hard yards in pre-season.
But the Hearts defender ran with relish this year after not knowing whether he’d face those gruelling summer sessions again.
A second serious Achilles injury of his career in February 2020 sidelined Souttar for over a year, sparking fears that the Scotland defender’s career could be in danger.
But he made his return to action towards the end of last season and has continued working over the summer to ensure he’s ready for the Jambos’ return to the Premiership.
And he admits he’ll never take the pre-season pain for granted again.
Souttar said: “I’m feeling great. This is the first time in a long time I’ve been able to do pre-season and get my base fitness in, which has been brilliant. I feel good and can’t wait for the season to start.
“I was loving it because when you’re away from the game for so long you dream of things like that and getting back involved with the boys, even the running. Before I would have complained but I was not complaining at all and I’m just grateful for every time I step on the pitch.
“You play with a freedom because you nearly had it taken away from you so you just need to appreciate every time you go on the pitch and enjoy playing.”
Not only is Souttar feeling great, he’s performing as well.
Craig Gordon is currently on a run of 10 consecutive competitive clean sheets for Hearts after breaking the club record against Cove.
That’s also testament to the defence in front of him, of which Souttar has been an integral part since his return to fitness.
Regardless of the shutouts coming against Championship and lower league opposition, getting into the mindset of not conceding goals can only be a good thing for the Jambos.
Souttar said: “It’s a great accolade to have for Craig and he’s a top keeper but we need to keep the habit of keeping clean sheets.
“It will be so important to win games when we’re in the Premiership. We didn’t keep enough of them last time.
“When you have a keeper of Craig’s stature behind you, you feel safe and like you can play higher, you’re not thinking about the keeper behind you.
“He is probably the best keeper in the league.”
Robbie Neilson’s switch to a back three has so far been vindicated.
Hearts are yet to concede in the Premier Sports Cup with Souttar on the right of the trio.
He also explained how it has allowed him to do what he does going forward as well.
Souttar said: “It’s going to take time to get used to.
“You find yourself in different areas but in every game we’re finding it easier.
“You’re probably wider when receiving the ball and there is more running but I’m enjoying it.”