Why incoming Rangers defender John Souttar would earn seal of approval from Sir Alex Ferguson

When Alex McLeish handed the then 21-year-old John Souttar his senior Scotland debut back in September 2018, he knew he was throwing him in at the deep end.

So it proved as Souttar found himself on the steepest of learning curves against a star-studded Belgian side who ran riot in a 4-0 friendly win at Hampden.

McLeish kept faith with his central defensive protege who helped Scotland keep a clean sheet in his next appearance, a 2-0 UEFA Nations League win over Albania, before experiencing the disappointment of being sent off in a 2-1 defeat away to Israel in the same competition.

Souttar, of course, subsequently had to face setbacks of a more severe nature with the serious injury problems which meant he had to wait another three years for his fourth and most recent Scotland cap which saw him score and perform brilliantly in the memorable 2-0 win over Denmark at Hampden last November.

McLeish was at the national stadium last Saturday to witness another fine display from Souttar, albeit in defeat for Hearts in the Scottish Cup final against the Rangers side he will be joining next month under freedom of contract.

It was a reminder for McLeish of a particular quality which first attracted him to Souttar, one which resonated with a mantra he was familiar with in his own days as a top class central defender for Aberdeen under the most celebrated Scottish manager of them all.

“John played so well in the final,” said McLeish. “He’s a terrific passer of the ball and he likes to play out from the back.

“I remember Sir Alex Ferguson used to say ‘if you are going to pass, then mean it’. Souttar does that.

“He looks a suitable candidate to play in the Rangers back line.

Video: Connor Goldson thanks the Rangers fans after Scottish