IAN DURRANT says John Souttar is a Rangers captain in waiting.
Ibrox defender Souttar starred for Scotland in the Nations League wins over Croatia and Poland.
John Souttar was crucial in Scotland’s wins over Croatia and Poland[/caption]
The defender (right) has made a strong start to the season despite his side’s slide to third[/caption]
Ian Durrant reckons he’s in the captaincy mould at Ibrox[/caption]
The 28-year-old is now one of Steve Clarke’s first picks and Durrant feels he has grown into a leader for Ibrox boss Philippe Clement.
The ex-Gers star said: “Big Souttar’s been absolutely immense these last ten days. He looks like he could be a leader.
“If James Tavernier was to come out of the team, the manager could now go to Souttar or Jack Butland. Souttar is now an experienced boy for the captaincy.
“If things are getting tough, he’ll be one of the ones you look to have in the trenches with you.
“He’s stood up and he’s been absolutely immense for Scotland.
“I just hope he now carries on and is immense for Rangers.”
Souttar, who has battled back from three snapped Achilles, was axed from Clarke’s Scotland squad for the summer’s Euros but has responded in stunning fashion.
He was also man of the match in last month’s 0-0 draw with Portugal.
Durrant said: “You used to hear about Souttar, about how it was always stop-start with him, about how he had these bad Achilles injuries.
“But I watched him against Portugal and then watched him for Rangers, so hopefully he can stay fit and keep it going.”
Gers this week named Nils Koppen as their new technical director after a year as their director of recruitment.
The Belgian claimed one of his aims was to get more homegrown talent and Scottish players in the Gers first team.
Souttar, Connor Barron and Liam Kelly were the only Scots in the squad that beat Hearts last time out, with Northern Irish kid Ross McCausland the only academy graduate.
Durrant broke into a struggling Rangers side in 1985 along with Hugh Burns, Derek Ferguson and Robert Fleck.
He said: “Of course I wish there were more young Scots in the side.
“I was brought up as a young boy there and I loved the identity of the club.
“Just now we’re having a wee bit of a struggle in terms of getting players through. We’ve got young Ross and Leon King there. Young Alex Lowry has been injured.
“Again, if they’re good enough, and I’m sure if they are good enough, they’ll show the manager.
Ian Durrant helped promote the Rangers Youth Development Lottery[/caption]
The midfield great (right) played under legendary skipper Terry Butcher at Ibrox, alongside pal Ally McCoist (left)[/caption]
“There have been a few boys in the European squad. Long may it continue, because we and the club want people coming through from your youth academy.
“If your youth academy is working then it saves you a few bob in the transfer market, too.”
Gers return to action on Saturday when they host Dundee United.
Clement and his players have faced plenty of flak this term for results and performances.
They have been left trailing in third spot, nine points behind leaders Celtic and Aberdeen.
Durrant added: “There will be tough times. But it’s how you come out the other end of it.
“The manager’s taken a bit of a battering, but he’s strong enough.
“He’s experienced enough to know if he gets everybody fit, he’ll have them challenging.”
Ian Durrant was speaking as he launched a new Rangers Lotto campaign for The Rangers Youth Development Company at Ibrox. RYDC are selling signed Rangers Legends prints, mugs, coasters and Christmas decorations. Fans can contact RYDC on 01414274914 or visit www.rydc.co.uk to place an order. Profits are donated to Rangers Academy and more than £11.5million has been generated so far.
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