Michael Beale says John Souttar doesn't have a point to prove at Rangers as he revealed: 'I really rate him'.
The Scotland international made the switch to Ibrox under former boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the summer after penning a pre-contract agreement from Premiership rivals Hearts. However, his time at the Light Blues has been injury-hit with the defender spending an extended period on the sidelines this season.
New boss Beale admits his rehab process has been 'fantastic' and he looks 'strong' as he backed him to come back and be a key player for both club and country. Souttar is one of a number of Rangers stars who have been hit with spells out this season but he should hopefully be back either this month or next alongside Tom Lawrence in a major boost.
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Opening up on Souttar's rehab process and potential return date, Beale said: “John has had a really rough few seasons with injury.He has played at a high level but hasn’t had a strong and consistent run.
“We feel his rehab coming back has been strong and he has really solid foundations now.
“He’s a good player who can step into midfield with the ball and who I had watched in my previous time here, so I was delighted to inherit him. I would just like to work with him now.
“From what I believe, his rehab’s been fantastic and he looks strong. If anything we’re trying to hold John back because he is pushing.
“I thought he’d come to Rangers and kick on to the national team but injury has held him back.
“That’s one for the future, but if John can play consistently he’ll be a good player for Rangers, and then onwards and upwards for Scotland.
“I like players who are fit and hungry and available all the time, that’s probably the message to all players, don’t be injured too long!
“But John doesn’t have a point to prove to me. I really rate him. He will obviously want to prove it to the fans and his team-mates that he belongs and can have a successful career here.
“He’s similar to Tom Lawrence who had a strong start, but then missed an awful lot of football. Hopefully in January or February we can have both back in the team.”
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