John Souttar's impressive performances for Rangers have reignited the debate over his exclusion from the Scotland national team. The 28-year-old centre-back has been a key figure in Rangers' recent run of four consecutive clean sheets, including a standout display in the Europa League victory over Malmo. Despite this, Scotland manager Steve Clarke has only started Souttar in two matches during his five-year tenure, the last being a 2-0 win over Armenia in June 2022.
Souttar was cut from the final squad for Euro 2024 and was an unused substitute in Scotland's recent Nations League matches against Poland and Portugal. With injuries to Scott McKenna, Kieran Tierney, and Liam Cooper, and Grant Hanley lacking match fitness, Souttar's current form makes him a strong candidate for the upcoming double-header against Croatia and Portugal. Clarke is also considering a first call-up for Preston defender Liam Lindsay, which has added to the scrutiny of Souttar's omission.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has been vocal in his support for Souttar, even re-enacting a controversial handball incident that led to a penalty against Hibs. Clement argued that Souttar "can't make his arms disappear," though the penalty was correctly awarded. Despite that blip, Souttar has been praised by teammates; Kieran Dowell described him as "a rock at the back." Souttar himself has suggested that missing the Euros allowed him to rest and prepare fully for the season, which is now paying dividends.
With the squad announcement imminent, the pressure is on Clarke to reward Souttar's consistency. Given the lack of available options, many believe it is time for Souttar to be given a proper opportunity to prove himself on the international stage.
