Michael Stewart reckons Connor Goldson's contract extension has changed the role John Souttar will play at Rangers - which has resulted in initial teething problems.
The Scotland international has arrived at Ibrox from Hearts and was swept aside by Lions striker Joel Nouble, who put his team ahead in this season's Premiership opener. Rangers eventually rallied and won via Scott Arfield and James Tavernier efforts. It wasn't the start Souttar would have hoped for and former Jambos midfielder Michael Stewart has offered a reason why.
Played at left-centre-back and hooked after just over an hour of partnering Goldson, he believes that the defender was signed to replace the former Brighton man who shocked many by penning a long-term extension, not link up with him.
He told Sportsound: “Souttar is clearly at fault as he gets outmuscled but it’s a wonderful finish from Nouble. Souttar played on the right-side of a back three at Hearts last year after coming back from a bad injury and he was outstanding.
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“I do wonder if Rangers felt that Connor Goldson was away when they signed him. If they didn’t think that he’d sign a new deal.
"That’s where Souttar would be playing. Goldson signed an extension and he (Souttar) is now playing on the left side of a back four.
"It’s not the ideal position for him and he’s always been yellow carded after Nouble spun him down the line. It’s been an uncomfortable start for John Souttar.”
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