I shouldn’t have played at Livi and been more honest with Ibrox medical staff ...but that’s just the character I am
Souttar opens up on frustrating start at Gers
brilliant. I’ve been training for four or five weeks and feel class.
“I’m now looking forward to properly starting my career at Rangers.”
Souttar says it’s payback time for the Auchenhowie medics who have got him to a place, physically, where he hasn’t been in a long time.
Af ter ruptur ing his Achi l les tendon THREE times at Hearts, there are few players in Scotland who are stronger mentally.
But he’s determined to prove to doubters that he can play at the highest level for Rangers and Scotland.
Souttar said: “I’ve been to see al l the top people in the country and I’m back to 100 per cent now.
“I’m grateful to everyone at the club and the way they’ve looked after me.
“They’ve got me back to this point and now it’s my turn to repay them.
“It’s a relief. For the first time in a while I feel I’m playing without any concerns about how my body is or having to manage it. To feel 100 per cent is a massive relief.
“It was just another obstacle to get over for me.
“Having been through it before definitely helps but it’s mentally frustrating.
“When you join a new club you want to show everyone what you can bring and the attributes you’ve got.
“But when you’re on the sidelines watching the boys play in the Champions League and Old Firm games – things you dreamed of as a kid – that’s difficult. It just gives me more of an appetite to work hard and do everything I can to get back to a high standard.
“I want to be the best player I can be for Rangers and Scotland and play as many games as I can.
“I’ve said before how much it means to me to play for my country.
“But I want to get in this Rangers team and prove to people that I CAN play here. Everything else will take care of itself after that.”
Souttar has come on as a sub in Rangers’ last three games as Beale gradually integrates him back into the side.
After the international break he’ ll be looking for more minutes ahead of an Old Firm triple- header in April that includes a Scot t ish Cup semi-final at Hampden.
He has a job on his hands trying to dislodge the current centre-back pairing of Connor Goldson and Ben Davies – but that challenge is something the 26-year- old is relishing.
Souttar, whom gaffer Beale rates highly, said: “That’s why you come to a club like Rangers. “There’s going to be quality players in every position and you need to prove to the manager you deserve a chance.
“It’s not going to be easy but I’ll just concentrate on myself and do everything I can to push those two boys to get involved.
“It’s encouraging that the manager has faith in me. But it’s down to me to back that up on the pitch.
“I have to prove to everyone it was the right decision to bring me to Rangers.
“I need a run of games and that’s what I’m working hard for now.
“Hopefully I’ve turned the corner towards getting that. I feel brilliant now so I’m sure it will come.”