ALEX MCLEISH has no doubt that John Souttar will rise to the challenge of replacing Connor Goldson at Rangers after seeing him bow out in style for Hearts.
The defender made his final appearance for the Jambos on Saturday as Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side ran out 2-0 winners in the Scottish Cup at Hampden.
Souttar produced an accomplished performance to give the Rangers fans an insight into what he will bring to the Ibrox squad over the coming years.
And McLeish reckons he will be the perfect man to fill Goldson's shoes as he gets set to bring an end to his career in Glasgow this summer.
McLeish said: “Connor has been a terrific servant to Rangers. I’m sure there are players the club can bring in but it will be a shame to see him go if he does leave.
“He’s been at the heart of the defence for a good few years now and he’s been superb.
“Sometimes you don’t know what is in a player’s head, his contract is up and it’s up to him what he does next.
“John Souttar is obviously coming in and he played so well in the final.
“He’s a terrific passer of the ball and he likes to play out from the back.
“I remember Sir Alex Ferguson used to say if you are going to pass then mean it. Souttar does that. He looks a suitable candidate to play in the Rangers back line.
“You have to have players lined up to take over because every year people move on and you have to be ready to go.
“I’m sure they will have other names in mind to bring in to strengthen them for next season.
“Souttar is already done and he’s coming in in the summer and I’m sure he will do well for the club."
McLeish worked with Souttar four seasons ago as he took his first steps into the international arena with Scotland and made his bow against Belgium.
The 25-year-old has been included in Steve Clarke's squad for the World Cup showdown with Ukraine and upcoming Nations League fixtures after recovering from injury in time to face Rangers twice in the closing week of the campaign.
Now Souttar will look to end his season on a high with the national side before he gets down to business at Ibrox and sets his sights on domestic silverware and a European run next term.
McLeish said: “He’s at a good age, he’s a Scotland international and he’s a proven Premiership player.
“He’s had a few injury setbacks in his career but he’s got over them and hopefully that stays the case.
“I gave John his first senior cap against Belgium in 2018 and I’m delighted to see him growing over the last few years.
“He had to learn quickly at that level but he has grown since then. You get better the more you play at the top level for club and country and I hope that’s the same for John.”
