Souttar thinks out of the box in Gorgie

JOHN SOUTTAR credits Robbie Neilson with adding steel to his game but there is definite appeal in going back to his ball-playing roots if Hearts appoint Ian Cathro as the club’s new head coach.

Souttar was at primary school when he started to participate in Cathro’s Box Soccer sessions in Dundee, a method of training designed to maximise the number of times children touch the ball during a session.

His proficiency led to a youth contract at Dundee United and rapid promotion to the first team where he made his debut aged just 16.

Just as Souttar was rapidly ascending through the ranks, Cathro was making his own mark, having caught the eye of United’s then manager Craig Levein and landing a job as the club’s head of youth in 2008, aged just 22.

Four years later, Cathro branched out and accepted an assistant manager role in Portugal with Rio Ave, before moving on to La Liga outfit Valencia and finally Newcastle United from where Levein, now Hearts’ director of football, hopes to lure him to Tynecastle.

Hearts launched their own link-up with Box Soccer last year and have used Souttar, a January signing, to promote its benefits to local youngsters.

He would be comfortable with Cathro but, having strolled through Neilson’s final match in charge — a 2-0 win over Rangers — he preferred to focus on the effect the new MK Dons boss has had on his game.

‘Robbie did a lot for me,’ he said. ‘I was in a struggling team at Dundee United and he took a gamble and paid money for me. He has improved me a lot as a player both defensively and in terms of understanding the game. I’ve learned a lot from him.

‘I know Ian Cathro, as I came through the academy at United. But whoever comes in I’ll have to impress.’

Souttar believes Neilson, a full-back in his own playing career, taught him the essence of becoming a better defender.

‘At United, I always had that ability and willingness to take the ball out but the gaffer added that bit of steel to my game,’ noted Souttar. ‘I try to learn every day and that will remain the case whoever comes in.’

Derby boss Steve McClaren was at Tynecastle in midweek, ostensibly to watch full-back Callum Paterson. However, he subsequently admitted to being impressed by no fewer than four members of Neilson’s team, Souttar among them.

Although Souttar’s younger brother Harry has already beat a trail for English football following his summer transfer between United and Stoke City, the older sibling insists he is happy at Hearts for now.

‘Wednesday showed Hearts is a huge club to play for,’ he added. ‘Nights like those are special, so I’m delighted to be here.’