BERRA SAYS SOUTTAR’S CAREER IS GOING SOUTH

Former Hearts defender Christophe Berra insists John Souttar would already be playing in England if it was not for the injury turmoil that has blighted his career.

Raith Rovers star Berra played alongside the defender at Tynecastle and is thrilled to see the centre-half get back to his best after returning from his third ruptured Achilles injury in April.

The 25-year-old former Dundee United player even marked his return to the Scotland squad with a goal and outstanding performance in Monday’s World Cup qualifying victory over Denmark.

Hearts face a fight to hold on to Souttar, with Stoke City and Nottingham Forest having already been linked with a player who is out of contract next summer.

And ex-Scotland international, Berra, would not be surprised if his former team-mate heads south of the border.

He said: “If he didn’t have his injuries, there is no doubt he would already be playing in England right now, he’s got all the ability in the world, it’s well documented.

“The only question mark over him was his injuries, they kept on flagging up. Hopefully, touch wood, he’s got over that and can look forward.

“At the moment he’s playing at Hearts and Hearts are playing extremely well.

“He’s very comfortable on the ball, he’s had a good upbringing through the academies and he’s a technical footballer – modern footballers like to step forward and he’s got a wide range of passing and he’s really good at the defensive side of things as well, he puts his body on the line.

“He’s an athlete, he’s fast and his passing is top notch. There are not many better passers of the ball in Scotland.”

Souttar’s all-round performance against the Danes drew fulsome praise from national team manager Steve Clarke and Berra expects Souttar to become a regular in the Scotland side.

Berra said: “If he can stay injury free, there is no doubt that will be his position for a long time.

“He’s had a torrid time with injuries, he’s done his Achilles three times and that’s one of the worst you can do.”