HARRY GAME FOR MORE CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION
HARRY Souttar is determined to pick up where he left off in the Championship arena when Stoke City return to action next weekend.
Souttar is currently recharging his batteries during the international break, which leaves the Potters with a blank Saturday.
That might well be timely for Stoke’s squad after a hectic start to the campaign which has taken in four league games and a run to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Souttar, aged 21, has impressed sufficiently in the cup encounters to graduate to Michael O’neill’s Championship side.
He has featured in the last two matches as one of three centrehalves - a 1-0 win at Preston and last Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Birmingham at the bet365 Stadium.
“I feel like I’m settling in okay.
It was obviously a disappointing result against Birmingham,” said the Aberdeen-born defender.
“We didn’t start great, but after the first 10 or 15 minutes we started to control the game.
“We needed to create a few more chances and show the dominance that we had.
“It was only my second league start. I’ve had some cup games, but it’s been a different back three in every one.
“I’m getting used to playing with the lads. We’ve got a big squad, so there’s always going to be changes.
“There’s been a lot of games since the start of the season and with this international break it’s a chance for us to freshen up for when we come back.”
Souttar signed for Stoke from Dundee United in August 2017 and since then he has made his mark at every level for Stoke - as well as away from the Potteries.
He initially featured in EFL Trophy games and after a temporary stint at Ross County, enjoyed two loan spells in League One with Fleetwood.
His performances for Joey Barton’s side prompted Stoke manager Michael O’neill to keep him at close quarters this time around when other clubs came sniffing after his services.
League One Portsmouth are believed to be one of the sides who were interested in taking Souttar on loan.
However, O’neill has provided opportunities for Souttar in the first team - and he will likely keep his place when Stoke recommence their league campaign at Luton next weekend.
“I’m still learning the game and I’m young. It’s a difficult position being centre-half and not many young ones get that many chances, at least not this high up,” added Souttar.
“It’s a case of not making mistakes and going out there and doing your job properly. I’m a defender first and foremost and anything else is a bonus.
“Since I came back here this season I’ve just tried to be more assured in my play.”
O’neill hasn’t been afraid to throw in the younger members of his squad in to big games.
As well as Souttar, the likes of Nathan Collins, Josh Tymon and
Jordan Thompson have all benefitted from opportunities.
“There’s a number of young players in the squad. I’d say six or seven of us and even more training,” said Souttar.
“But the whole squad has great camaraderie and there’s a good culture in the dressing room.
“For us young lads its about trying to break in to the team and getting as much game time as we can.”