Mark Guidi has backed John Souttar to be Rangers’ next “long-term captain” at Ibrox when James Tavernier exits.
The Scotland international has become one of the most consistent performers in Philippe Clement’s squad this season whilst also impressing on the international stage under Steve Clarke.
While it is unclear whether or not Tavernier will still be a Gers player when the January transfer window rolls around, former Sunday Mail journalist Guidi believes Souttar is the right fit to take the armband from the Englishman in the future.
Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show (18 October, 41:20) he said: “I’ve always liked John Souttar, so to get him for nothing on a free transfer is great.
“At 28 as a central defender, he should be going into the best five years of his career, we always say that about centre-halves. We mentioned if James Tavernier was leaving this summer that Jack Butland would get the armband.
“I can understand that, but for me, John Souttar is the long-term captain of Rangers.”
Will James Tavernier exit Rangers amid Ibrox transfer speculation?
Souttar has certainly become an integral part of Clement’s squad at Ibrox over the last year or so, despite not always being a particularly popular figure among Gers supporters.
The Scottish international’s partnership with Robin Propper so far this season has been far from perfect, but Souttar has looked a lot more comfortable on the right side of the centre-back pairing than he ever did on the left.
The defender’s new role and position have allowed him to have more of an impact on proceedings in possession, while he has also looked much more comfortable and decisive without the ball at his feet.
Hopefully, this upturn of form isn’t just a purple patch for the centre-back and he will continue to impress between now and the end of the season.
Solid defences win teams silverware and Souttar is as solid as they come at Ibrox at this moment in time.
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