John Souttar declares his Rangers career starts NOW as defender determined to realise Champions League dream

Defiant John Souttar says his Rangers career starts NOW after battling back from his injury hell.

Souttar signed for Gers from Hearts on a pre-contract but a cruel injury blow on his debut against Livingston set him back for more than six months. He sat out of the entire of their European campaign which saw a return to the Champions League and admits it hurt watching his teammates run out on the biggest stage without being able to be out there with them.

But Souttar has made his return under in recent weeks with substitute appearances against Kilmarnock and Raith Rovers in a major boost to Michael Beale's defensive options. Now, he has his sights set on Connor Goldson and Ben Davies and forcing his way into the back line. He told Rangers TV: "Pre-season was a bit of a struggle for me, obviously because I brought over an injury from Scotland in the summer. It was tough for me because I felt like I was always managing an injury.

"But a few months down the line, I'm feeling brilliant. I'm just looking to start my Rangers career from now.

"When you think about signing for Rangers you think about starting, being 100 per cent, kicking on from where I was last season. I wanted to play in the Champions League so for me to get so close to that and having to watch them from the sides was difficult day-in, day-out.

"Especially at a new club because you want to show everyone how good you are. It was difficult from that point of view but I feel I'm now at a point where I can show everyone but I can do."

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