The Ben Doak rules that Tartan Army MUST follow as Scotland teammate offers insight on 'next big thing' tag

John Souttar knows what it’s like to be hailed as Scotland’s next big thing.

As a kid at Dundee United, the defender was thrown as a 16-year-old with everyone predicting a star-studded future. Injuries might have curtailed Souttar’s career to an extent. But he’s still managed to become a Rangers centre-half and on Saturday night in Croatia he was back at the heart of Scotland’s back-line. Alongside him was teenage winger Ben Doak, who was making his first start for the national team.

The Liverpool live wire was excellent for Steve Clarke’s side, despite the 2-1 defeat in Zagreb. Souttar was impressed by Doak’s performance but - maybe from his own experience - he urged the Tartan Army and others not to pile too much expectation on his young shoulders. The 28-year-old said: “Ben was really good against Croatia. But it’s just important for us to focus on that, look at what he did in the game - without putting too much pressure on him.

“We should let him enjoy his football and give him that freedom to play. Don’t put pressure on a young boy, just let him go out and perform.

“I thought he was excellent on Saturday night. I didn’t have to speak to him. I think he just goes and enjoys himself. He’s so young right now so he’s got to do that. For me personally, it was definitely good to be back in the team.

“I was disappointed in the summer (after being left out of Euro 2024 squad) but that’s football. You’re going to have disappointments in your career and you have to react to them. I’m just glad to be back in the side now.”

Souttar produced a strong display against the Croats and is expected to keep his place for Portugal’s visit to Hampden on Tuesday. It was another night of agony in Zagreb as Scotland slipped to their third