Ex-united defender wins Qatar plaudits

Australia legend Mark Schwarzer is adamant former Dundee United defender Harry Souttar is on the fast-track to the English Premier League following a sensational showing in the Socceroos’ World Cup win over Tunisia.

The Tanegerines academy graduate was imperious in Saturday’s 1-0 triumph, belying his lack of senior football this year following a devastating knee injury.

Souttar, 24, was dominant in the air, made a host of blocks and crunching tackles and, when the opportunity presented itself, showcased excellent distribution from the back.

The Stoke City centre-half was even dubbed ‘Superman’ by pundit Danny Murphy.

Prior to suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament last November, Souttar was already being linked with the likes of Aston Villa and Everton – with Stoke reportedly putting a £20 million price-tag on his head.

Should he garner that sort of interest once more, it could mean a sizeable boost to the Tannadice coffers, with United due a 15% cut of any transfer fee.

“You need to understand, Harry Souttar has played so little football in the last 12 months. So, to do what he did (against Tunisia)? We’ve got high hopes for him,” Schwarzer told the BBC.

Schwarzer continued: “Before he got injured, there was so much talk about him moving on and joining a Premier League side.

“And I’ve got no doubt he will be snapped up, because he is such a good player and he’s a great guy to have around the group; a great pro.”

Schwarzer also lauded the impact made by Hearts central defender Kye Rowles, particularly in light of the Socceroos’ 4-1 hammering by France.

He added: “After the France game, there was some disappointment about Rowles and Souttar’s defending from wide areas and balls into the box. On Saturday, they were on a different level.”

The admiration of Souttar’s showing was similarly strong within the Aussie dressing room.

Midfield dynamo Jackson Irvine described the display as one of the best he has ever seen by an Australia internationalist.

“It’s right up there with the very best – midfielder, defender, or forward,” the former Celtic and Ross County ace told ESPN.

“It’s one of the best individual displays (for Australia) I’ve ever seen.

”He doesn’t need to be told that – and he’s one of the first ones back in the dressing room saying we go again.

“That’s just the kind of person, and player, that he is. He wants to always push us and push everybody further. He’s a leader at his age, already.”

Tannadice full-back Aziz Behich turned in a tireless, solid showing as he won his 55th cap for Australia.

Fellow SPFL regulars Aaron Mooy (Celtic), Kyle Rowles (Hearts) and Keanu Baccus (St Mirren) also featured in the vital victory.

The Socceroos face Denmark in their final group fixture next Wednesday, with their hopes of progression firmly alive.