Celtic win a 'glimpse into the future' as Rangers redemption arc has John Souttar savouring every moment

John Souttar was the fall guy after his Old Firm debut at Parkhead. But on Saturday he put Celtic on the deck with his first goal for Rangers.

The defender was devastated in April when his glaring error allowed Jota to score in a 3-2 Premiership win for the Hoops. But Souttar redeemed himself at Ibrox, as Michael Beale’s side finally came out on top in the derby with a 3-0 victory. The Scotland centre-back’s bullet header in the 34th minute gave Gers a two-goal lead after Todd Cantwell had broken the deadlock early on.

Fashion Sakala sealed the points later on to send Rangers fans home happy. But his goal was a huge moment for Souttar after an injury-ravaged campaign. After signing from Hearts in the summer, he was crocked in his first league game at Livingston and missed a large chunk of the season. Now he’s back and firmly in Beale’s plans for next term.

Souttar admits it was painful after he gifted Celtic a goal across the city a month ago. That’s why he savoured his moment yesterday after rising to meet a James Tavernier corner and score past Joe Hart.

Souttar said: “When I was asked how bad I felt after the game at Celtic Park at the time, I said it was about how I reacted. There will always be moments like that in football when you think it’s the end of the world.

“But it’s important you stay in the middle, whether it’s good or bad. There will be different moments and it’s about how you bounce back. The feeling now is obviously a lot better than what I experienced at Parkhead.

“I enjoyed that. It has been a frustrating season for myself and the team so to get that goal was a big moment for myself and Rangers. It was a good feeling to score. That’s why you play football, to score big goals like that.

“Thankfully I