Souttar targets success with Scotland after return from injury
JOHN SOUTTAR saw his season end in disappointment and Scottish Cup defeat at Hampden as he bowed out at Hearts.
But the Rangers-bound defender is now determined to make the most of his chance to catch the eye for Scotland this summer.
Souttar has been named in Steve Clarke’s side for the World Cup clash with Ukraine and Nations League fixtures after returning to action this month.
He produced an accomplished performance in the final as goals from Ryan Jack and Scott Wright condemned Hearts to defeat on Saturday.
The 25-year-old is pleased to be involved once again after winning his fitness battle and turning out against Rangers in the closing week of the season.
Souttar said: “It is brilliant to be back in amongst the boys and I am looking forward to the games.
“I have enjoyed my football this year. It is only really the last month-and-a-half, two months that have been difficult while I was out injured.
“To get back playing at the weekend, obviously the result was disappointing but for myself it was good timing to allow me to get back into the Scotland squad as well.
“It does [give me a bit of rhythm to take into the Scotland camp]. I think that was the important thing when I got injured, it was getting back for the final and getting back for the Scotland camp.
“I did everything I could to be here and thankfully I have made it.
“It is good to be back in and see the boys. Looking forward to everyone being back in together and the next few games.”
Souttar scored his first international goal in the win over Denmark in November as Scotland secured a seeded spot in the World Cup play-offs.
A date with destiny against Wales is now in Clarke’s sights as Ukraine make the trip to Glasgow and aim to keep their own Qatar dreams alive.
Scotland are unbeaten in their last eight outings and Souttar is confident that run can continue as the national side also gear up for fixtures with the Republic of Ireland and Armenia in the coming weeks.
Souttar said: “I think there is quality throughout the squad
but there is good people as well. I think people being here consistently and it being a similar squad, you saw the quality from the last games. We have just got to keep it going.
“The games have gone well. Everyone is enjoying themselves, everyone enjoys being in the camp and I think you can feel it within the boys, within the group and within the country as well that there is something building here. It is just about taking it into the next few games.
“It was a good moment for myself to score against Denmark and for the boys to perform how we did. It wasn’t just the win, it was how we performed and how settled and how well we did as a team.”