Neilson hopes to keep hold of Hampden hero Souttar

Robbie Neilson hopes John Souttar sees Hearts as the ideal platform to maintain his Scotland ambitions.

Souttar scored and won man of the match on Monday in his first international for three years as Scotland beat Denmark to set up a Hampden semi-final in the World Cup play-offs.

With a potential finals place in Qatar to aim for in 12 months’ time, Neilson is hopeful that Souttar can appreciate the opportunities that playing for Hearts can bring.

The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and Hearts are trying to persuade the defender to sign a new deal.

When asked if that task had been made more difficult by his international exploits, Neilson said: “I don’t think it will put him in (the spotlight) any more. A lot of teams know about John.

“They key for John is playing consistently week in, week out, which we are giving him that opportunity to do here, and hopefully we can continue to do that.

“Playing week in, week out for Hearts at the top end of the league, playing in big games, allows him to get into the national team.

“And hopefully he sees that.

“As with any players that are doing well, and the team is doing well at the top end of the league, and we have some international players, there is always going to be clubs that are interested in them.

“My job is to make sure he is ready for Saturday and the following Saturday and as a club we try and get these guys tied up.”

“We are working away in the background with a number of players to try and get things moving forward because we would like to build a team here.

“But, as you all know, in football it can take time.”

Souttar missed the vast majority of the previous two seasons with ankle and Achilles injuries.

“It’s been a tough few years for John,” said Neilson.

“Getting consistency of fitness has been the key. He started at a young age as a player and looked like he was really going to kick on and all of a sudden had a couple of years of difficulties.”