‘Big lump’ Souttar has his
He has earned a reputation as a cultured, ball-playing centre-half.
So when John Souttar was branded a “big lump” by Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke, he could easily have taken offence.
The Hearts star is more likely to break opposition ankles with trickery than a scything challenge, after all.
But put it to the 22-year-old that Clarke did him a disservice with his description and his response is laced with humour rather than rancour.
“I’d have bitten your hand off for that when I was younger, being called that,” laughs Souttar.
“It was a bit of a back-handed compliment really, so no offence was taken.”
The 2-1 victory over Killie that fit-again Souttar’s presence helped Hearts secure must help on that front.
Going two subsequent games without defeat can’t hurt either.
But after a four-month recovery from a hip injury sustained on Scotland duty, it turns out simply playing football, while a pleasure, is not without its aches and pains. “I’ve been feeling good,” says Souttar. “I was a wee bit sore after the game last Sunday, but it was three games in a week, so that was going to be the case.
“But I am feeling good now. I’ve been right back into it and it’s been feeling good to be training every day.
“It feels absolutely perfect.” Souttar’s youth is easy to forget given the length of his tenure at Premiership level.
But his shortness in the tooth is matched by an unfortunately lengthy injury record.
To his credit, his spirits are undimmed by his familiarity with the treatment table.
Part of the credit, he says, has to go to