Souttar will shine for club and country

SCOTLAND boss Steve Clarke has backed John Souttar to overcome his early struggles at Rangers and become an important player for club and country.

Souttar switched to Ibrox from Hearts on a free transfer this summer but has not played since enduring a tough debut on the opening day of the Premiership season at Livingston.

Ibrox boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has referenced an unspecified injury in accounting for the 25-year-old’s absence but Souttar has also had a harrowing time away from football following the death of his elder brother Aaron from motor neurone disease.

It’s less than a year since Souttar climbed to head home Scotland’s first goal in a memorable 2-0 win over Denmark, a match that marked his first cap in three years after injury struggles.

Clarke has backed him to deal with his latest challenges. He said: ‘It’s been a tough time for John and he’s not available for this camp. Hopefully he’ll be back playing and doing well for Rangers soon. ‘I haven’t spoken to him recently but John has good mental strength. He’ll come through this and he’ll be a key player for Rangers this season.’

In Souttar’s absence, Ryan Porteous has been given a chance to be part of the squad and the Hibs defender could win his first cap in the triple header against Ukraine and the Republic of Ireland.

‘We have always kept an eye on Ryan,’ added Clarke. ‘He has always been close to selection, and has been in some squads.

‘Without John and Liam Cooper we have a chance to bring Ryan into the squad. He has been very consistent and I look forward to working with him again.’