John Souttar’s Return a Boost for Rangers Amid Injury Struggles
John Souttar has emerged as an important player for Rangers this season, but injuries have severely impacted his availability. The defender has featured in just 16 Scottish Premiership matches, though he has now returned to full fitness under Barry Ferguson.
Despite his injury setbacks, Souttar played a key role in Rangers’ 3-1 Europa League victory over Fenerbahce in Istanbul, delivering a strong performance.
Souttar’s Comeback and Scotland Call-Up
Since Barry Ferguson’s appointment as interim manager, Souttar has made only one appearance—playing the full 90 minutes against Fenerbahce on March 6. His fitness struggles have limited his game time, but his return could be crucial as Rangers prepare for a busy and decisive period.
Rangers will host Fenerbahce at Ibrox on March 13 for the second leg of their Europa League tie, aiming to secure a spot in the next round. Just days later, they will face Celtic in the Old Firm Derby on March 16, a fixture that could significantly impact their domestic campaign.
If Souttar is fully fit, Ferguson is expected to select him for both matches, given their importance in Rangers’ season.
Meanwhile, despite his injury issues, Souttar has received a Scotland call-up for the upcoming friendly against Greece, as announced by Rangers on March 11 via X (formerly Twitter).
Gaining Valuable Game Time
While Rangers’ domestic title hopes may be fading, their Europa League ambitions remain alive after an impressive win in Turkey. Ferguson’s leadership appears to be revitalizing the squad, with players showing increased commitment and intensity.
For the interim boss to maintain this momentum, he will need experienced figures like Souttar, who understands the demands of playing for Rangers. International minutes with Scotland could provide a valuable fitness boost, ensuring he returns to Glasgow in peak condition.
However, there is always a risk that additional game time could lead to another injury setback, potentially disrupting the final stretch of the season.
Regardless, Souttar’s call-up highlights the continued quality within Rangers’ squad—they have the talent, now they must consistently deliver on the pitch.
