John Souttar has intimated that he’s open to signing a contract extension with Rangers.
The defender arrived on a free transfer from Hearts in 2022 and is now entering the final year of his deal.
In James Tavernier’s absence, the 28-year-old was handed the captain’s armband for last night’s 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen.
After an imperious display which helped his side plant one foot in the Champions League play-off round, his manager Russell Martin was effusive in his praise of the player but stressed that contractual matters were for Souttar’s agent and the club’s hierarchy to address.
Addressing the matter for the first time since Martin took charge, though, Souttar said nothing to suggest that he saw his future lying elsewhere.
‘Look, I love this place. I love this club. I love being here,’ said the Scotland international.
Souttar was a dominating figure at the back as Rangers impressed in the 3-0 win over Plzen
Souttar rises high above the Czech side’s veteran ex-Derby and Burnley striker Matej Vydra
Souttar was selected to lead Rangers in the absence of benched skipper James Tavernier
‘That’s really all I’ll say on the matter. I’ve not really heard much recently, so all I can do is train hard every day.
‘Every day I step on the pitch, I enjoy playing for the Rangers because I know how special the club is to play for. Every time I step on the pitch, I give it 100 per cent, and I’m sure the rest will take care of itself.’
With other clubs able to make him alternative offers from January, Rangers would ideally get round the negotiating table with the player’s representative before then.
Asked if he expected to hear something on that front soon, Souttar added: ‘Look, whatever happens, will happen. All I can say is, every time I pull on that jersey, I’m honoured and that will never change. Every time I step on that pitch, I’ll give everything.’
Souttar insists the contractual matter isn’t foremost in his thoughts as the players get accustomed to the demands of the new manager.
‘Not really, to be honest,’ he said. ‘There’s a lot on my mind about how we’re playing, I don’t have much time to think about anything else. But, as I say, I love being here. That’s the main thing.’
Martin was severely critical of the side following the weekend draw with Motherwell and rang the changes for the visits of the Czechs.
While Souttar retained his place, James Tavernier, Nico Raskin, Danilo and Kieran Dowell were omitted.
A radically improved display comfortably saw off Plzen with Djeida Gassama netting a double either side of Cyriel Dessers’ penalty.
Souttar felt the response hit the spot after a disappointing start to the Premiership campaign.
‘That’s exactly how we want to play,’ he stressed. ‘We want to move the ball quick, be composed on the ball and get our best players on the ball at the pitch.
The Rangers centre-half keeps Plzen’s Rafiu Durosinmi at bay during the first-leg success
Djiga has established a formidable partnership with Souttar, who insists there is more to come
‘It was important we bounced back. I think we did that, especially in the first half. We showed great energy, we passed the ball, everyone was up for it, we moved.
‘It was enjoyable to play. When we’re playing like that, it’s an enjoyable place to play.’
Martin has been encouraged at the partnership Souttar is forming with Nasser Djiga in central defence but the Scot feels there’s a lot more to come.
‘It’s a really early in the partnership, we’ve only played about three or four games together,’ he said.
‘Everyone can see his qualities, he’s obviously got a lot of experience for his age. We’re enjoying it, but as I say, it’s the same as the process. It’s going to take time.
‘The more we play together, the more we’ll see each other’s habits. We’ll enjoy playing with each other.’
