John Souttar on his tattoo tribute to late brother Aaron as Rangers star says memory 'inspires' him every day

Brother. Hero. Best mate.

Those were the words John Souttar used to describe older sibling, Aaron, after he tragically passed away at just 42 years of age. Now, you can add another one. Inspiration.

Every day he’ll look at the tattoo on his left bicep and feel it. Motivated to be the best he can be. Energised to live life to the full. And hugely influenced by the face staring back at him. Souttar has been through a lot as a footballer already. The Rangers and Scotland centre-back has shown incredible mental strength to battle back from serious injuries. But he’ll never complain or feel sorry for himself. And that’s down to his big brother.

Aaron fought against Motor Neurone Disease to the death. Yet John and his other brother, Harry, never heard him moan once.

That’s REAL mental strength, real resilience. And it will help shape both of their characters for the rest of their careers, whatever they go on to achieve.

The Ibrox defender has spoken for the first time about the devastating loss he suffered on Sunday 17 July. Just two weeks later, Souttar played for Rangers in their opening Premiership game of the season at Livingston.

And it was some time after that when he paid tribute to Aaron in an emotional Facebook post, following the family’s announcement that he’d lost his life.

Souttar now has permanent ink on his arm with his brother’s date of birth and the words ‘Live Forever’ next to Aaron. His whole family has played a major part in getting John to where he is today.

But when it comes to his mindset and mentality? What Aaron went through will always help him to put football - and life - in perspective.

Souttar said: “I definitely get my resilience from my family and what my older brother went through. That puts