Scotland boss Steve Clarke dumps Rangers’ John Souttar

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Scotland boss Steve Clarke dumps Rangers’ John Souttar
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JUNE 06: Scotland manager Steve Clarke is seen during a training session at Hampden Park on June 06, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Scotland manager Steve Clarke has ‘confirmed’ his anti-Rangers stance, not in removing John Souttar from the Scotland squad, but doing so rather dismissively while regaling fellow excluded Craig Gorden with lavish praise and regret at the decision.

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The two didn’t make the cut for the final squad, and while Clarke was effusive in his comments about 75-cap Gordon, he clearly didn’t give any hoots whatsoever about the conversation with Souttar.

He said:

“Both conversations were really tough but the one with Craig was particularly emotional. I promised I’d put him on the pitch tonight. I don’t want to be the guy that left him out of the Euros and didn’t give him his 75th cap. I’m sure Craig, the person he is, the manner he’s got, the determination he’s got to prove people wrong, it won’t stop at 75. He’s still going at 41 but it’s not in his mind so it’s not going to be in my mind.”

But on Souttar the tone was a bit different:

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“John is one of the ones that misses out. I just felt I had enough cover in that position on the right.”

A bit of ‘ach well’ in that, compared with the deep regret and fawning over Gordon.

No question this Scotland regime has dismissed and dislike Rangers ever since Loch Lomond – Lee McCulloch knew this was coming and retired well before his time, and that was 15 years ago.

Today? Ryan Jack makes the final cut, but will likely barely feature, while Souttar is told the manager has enough on the right and who has picked barely-capped Ross McCrorie instead.

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And this manager has picked 8 central midfielders… of all things. Enough cover there Steven?

Some Rangers outlets are claiming Souttar is omitted on injury basis, but that’s just false. He’s fit – he was just rejected in favour of McCrorie. He might be a Rangers man, but he’s a Bristol City player these days.

So the point is Clarke really has no love for Rangers and isn’t afraid to more or less admit it.

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‘Ach well’.

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