Cammy Devlin has labelled John Souttar as an 'unreal player' as he hailed the departing Hearts star for everything he has done for him.
The Scotland international will join Rangers for pre-season after penning a pre-contract agreement at the club.
He played his final game in Hearts' defeat to his new employers in the Scottish Cup Final.
READ MORE: Hearts are still 'four or five years' off Rangers says Robbie Neilson as he outlines season aims
Devlin has loved learning from the stopper during his time at Tynecastle and will be forever grateful to him for taking him under his wing.
The Hearts ace understands Souttar's decision to make the switch to Rangers, and knows Robbie Neilson faces a huge task to fill his boots.
He said: “From the day I got here John’s taken me under his wing, though half the time he’s screaming at me because I’m maybe not doing what he wants me to.
“But I don’t mind that. We always chat behind the scenes and he’s only trying to make me a better player and show me his experiences.
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"I couldn’t wish him anything more going to Rangers. I couldn’t be more grateful to share a pitch with him, he’s an unreal guy, an unreal player and he’s got a massive future.
“I wasn’t here when he was injured but I’ve heard all about it. He had a few years out. It’s not easy being out for two or three months, which I was.
“It’s a credit to him. But I’m not surprised because I see him in the gym working harder than anyone. He was one of the guys who hadn’t played for so long and he came back."
Souttar's departure will leave a void in the Hearts backline.
But Devlin is confident Neilson can bring the right man on board to replace the Scotland cap.
The 25-year-old was outstanding at Hampden at the weekend, but his performance didn't surprise his Tynecastle team-mate.
He continued: “It shows how much Hearts mean to him and how much the group is tight knit
“For him to play like that is super special but I’m not surprised. He’s such a good player.
"John is going to be tough to replace. Like you’ve seen, we have had a lot of injuries in recent months with him and Halkett, two of our starting back three, but we have been doing well and winning games.
“Toby Sibbick, Taylor Moore and Alex Cochrane have been unreal and with the squad depth we have and the players we have to bring in then we should be okay.
“It’s going to be tough replacing a Scotland international. But I’m sure we will.”
