As the new season edges closer Rangers defender John Souttar is raring to go.
Arriving at Ibrox from Hearts after penning a pre-contract back in January, Souttar is gearing up for the 2022/23 campaign alongside his new teammates and boss Gio van Bronckhorst in Portugal. Despite being hindered by injury throughout the last few years, Souttar is looking forward to ramping up his game time with last season's Europa League finalists.
The Light Blues have their sights set on Champions League football group stages this coming season as they look to navigate the playoff rounds after their run to Seville. Souttar admits the lure of European football is one of the reasons the stopper was so keen to pull on the Rangers jersey this season, as he explained that the potential of Champions League clashes, as well as the opportunity to represent his country, are what he views as the pinnacle of his career.
The centre half insists that he knows what it takes to make a mark at Ibrox, noting the "step up" he is making after arriving from Tynecastle this summer. Speaking to Sky Sports about his first few days as a Rangers player, Souttar said: “It has been an easy dressing room to come into, everyone has been brand new, it is a good group of boys so in that sense it has been easy.
“I’m just getting used to how they play, how the boss wants to play next season. It is good, learning different styles of play is interesting so I am just looking forward to it.
"Everyone knows that when you are at Rangers you need to win everything you’re in, so, it will definitely be different to what I am used to but it is something I am looking forward to and I am going to relish. It is definitely a step up, I think when anyone goes to an Old Firm (club) it is a step up. It is going to the different and there is room for improvement for me in every area."
When asked about his feelings for the upcoming season, he added: “I think everyone wants to play in the Champions League when they are younger, that is the dream. Your national team and the Champions League are the pinnacle."
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