John Souttar reveals Rangers pain game as stars go all out meet Philippe Clement's hard demands

John Souttar's long-term plan is to be in a position to say guten tag to Steve Clarke’s Euro gang this summer, writes Andy Newport from La Manga .

But the Rangers ace knows if he’s to book a seat on the Lufthansa flight to Germany, he can’t afford to say auf wiedersehen to his Rangers slot. Clarke’s Scotland are gearing up for three huge dates in June as they prepare to open the tournament against Julian Nagelsmann's hosts before taking on Switzerland and Hungary in the battle to make the last 16. It’s a huge opportunity for the lucky tartan 23 who get the nod.

But Souttar is aware that in his case, it might end up being of the once-in-a-lifetime variety having been forced to sit out Scotland’s last major finals involvement three years ago through injury. The Ibrox defender has got a fight on his hands to convince Clarke, however. The 27-year-old has been in and out of the Gers line-up all season, with Leon Balogun proving so far to be Philippe Clement’s preferred partner for Connor Goldson.

However, he’s been handed a starting slot in three of the big Belgian’s last five team selections and the former Dundee United and Hearts stopper is determined to cling on to his place as he looks to make his Deutsch dream come true.

“Everyone is aware that the Euros are coming up in the summer,” he said. “But the only way you will be involved is by playing well for your club between now and then. First and foremost I have to perform for Rangers. After that everything will take care of itself. Hopefully if I am performing and winning games here then I will be involved.

“We spoke about how long the season is and how things can change. It’s still six months until the Euros and anything can happen. So I have to play well for my