When Leon Balogun went off injured for Nigeria this week, a collective sigh could be heard by those of a Light Blue persuasion, Filip Helander’s long-term injury, added to Niko Katic being out on loan, giving them little trust in those that would be expected to deputise should he face a spell on the sidelines.
Thankfully, he should be fit to face Hearts but it does raise the question once again as to whether or not Ross Wilson should be looking at reinforcements in the January transfer window.
Top of the list for Vital Rangers would be John Souttar, the Hearts and Scotland centre-half who is soon to be available on a pre-contract agreement, a player that Alan Hutton also feels would be perfect for a move to Ibrox, as told to Football Insider:
“I think he’s a brilliant player, if I’m honest.
“Injury has really hampered him moving forward over the last few seasons. He’s had some bad injuries so he’s getting back there now.
“Obviously I read a lot about Scottish football. Craig Levein, I know him really well and he spoke so highly about him and what he brings to a team. It was a glowing report.
“I think he fits the bill for Rangers. It seems to me that he’s got that winning mentality, that determination to do well. That’s the type of player that Rangers need.”
Hutton is right, this is the same player that was valued at £5million when Steven Gerrard was first interested a couple of seasons ago when he was looking for a partner for Connor Goldson, ironically, a player he could replace if his own contract situation isn’t sorted.
Souttar has had an horrific time with Achilles injuries but he’s been lucky to have suffered them at a young age when the chances of recovery are greatly improved, since returning to fitness at the end of the Covid-19 restricted season, he’s only missed a few games here and there – on a free transfer or cut-price deal though, even with this history, he is more than worth the gamble.