Rangers manager Michael Beale was full of compliments for John Souttar after the 26-year-old marshalled an inexperienced back four during the 3-1 win over Hibernian on Sunday.
With Connor Goldson sidelined, Souttar was partnered with Leon King in the centre of defence. Ridvan Yilmaz was also selected at left-back and Beale says Souttar’s experience helped those around him:
“We had strong performances throughout, I think John Souttar was absolutely fantastic alongside young Leon.”
Fans on Twitter echoed Beale’s remarks, but many feel that Souttar has to stay fit in order to be a key player for the Light Blues:
He is a top player let's hope he gets an injury free preseason
— Peter Kelman (@KelmanPeter) May 21, 2023
Good footballer. Hopefully worst behind him. Looks like we'll need him for the champions league qualifiers if goldson is missing pre season.
— Sandy (@SandyC8572) May 21, 2023
John Souttar has been so unlucky throughout his career with injuries but you can see he's an Intetnational class operator, now he's getting a run of games. Really hope his injury woes are behind him.
— McSouness ✪ (@McSouness) May 21, 2023
Excellent player when fit
— Nico Raskin Enthusiast (@McgregorShagger) May 21, 2023
Keep John Souttar fit he will be a fine player for the Rangers
— Greenock bear (@BoyleBillyb2011) May 21, 2023
John Souttar is definitely growing on me, MOTM today I reckon. Not seen our defence so composed without Goldson for a long while.
— Mr Blobby #VoteAnyoneButLibLabConGreenSNP (@PB1872) May 21, 2023
No one absolutely no one tells me there’s a better CH technically and good on the ball than a fit John souttar the lad is as comfortable as I’ve seen at rangers for many a year
— GEO F 🇬🇧🏴1912🇬🇧🏴 (@geoftp1912) May 21, 2023
Souttar has been fully fit for the best part of six weeks, and it looks as if he has finally shaken off that terrible ankle injury which plagued him for the majority of his first season at Ibrox.
The campaign is probably coming to an end at the wrong time for the Scottish international and it will be hoped that he doesn’t have any problems over the summer before the next campaign begins in July.