John Souttar and the Rangers respect felt through the dressing room as team-mates have his back

It may only have been a two-minute run-out but Ryan Jack appreciates just how precious every one of those seconds back in action felt for returning Rangers star John Souttar.

The Scotland defender was at last able to make his competitive home debut for his new club in Saturday’s win over Kilmarnock after seven long months of injury frustration. It’s a turmoil Jack knows only too well having completed his own 12-month trek back to fitness this time last year.

But what’s all the more remarkable is that Souttar has found the strength of will to walk this lonely road now four times. The 26-year-old arrived from Hearts in the summer having ruptured his Achilles three times at Tynecastle. But from what Jack has seen of this unshakeable character, no one should be in any doubt about his ability to bounce back.

He said: “We’re obviously delighted for John He’s been training hard the last few weeks so it was great to see him out there. It can be a long journey at times, a long road. But John has always been in the training centre, around the squad working hard, that’s all you can really do. I’ve said that myself when I’ve had my own injuries.

“You just have to work hard, get your head down and make sure you come back fit and strong. John’s done just that. There’s no doubt it’s a hard road, I’ve been there myself. But Saturday would have been worth it for John. He only came on late as a sub for a few minutes but to be out there and back in the matchday squad, that’s what you go through all that hard work behind the scenes in the gym for, for moments like that.

“John’s the type who never complains, he’s in the changing room every day and he’s upbeat, working hard around the boys. It’s a credit to him that he’s got himself back and