Souttar gets Socceroos call-up

Harry S out tar has been backed to handle the step up to the full Australia squad, despite being branded “a big baby” by boss Graham Arnold.

The Stoke City defender, pictured, brother of Scotland and Hearts stopper John Souttar, accepted an invitation to join the S occeroos’ U23 squad in March for Asian

Cup qualifying in Cambodia and has now earned a full call-up.

The ex-dundee United youngster, 20, who won caps for Scotland at U17 and U19 level, is now in line to make his international debut in a friendly against South Korea on 7 June .

Arnold is confident 6ft 6in Souttar – whose mother Heather is Australian – will justify his inclusion. He said: “He’s a big baby as well, at one metre 98! “He’s chosen to play for Australia and Harry is a very mature 20- year-old. He did well for us in Cambodia and my expectations are that he will handle this level as well.”