Scotland defender Ryan Porteous insists competition is fierce ahead of Euro 2024 with Rangers centre-back John Souttar eyeing a ticket to Germany.
The national side are well-stocked in the centre-back position, with several options in the squad as things stand despite a number of call-offs.
With Grant Hanley ruled out earlier in the week, Scott McKenna – linked to Rangers as early as January – has also pulled out of the running.
You’d be forgiven for thinking the situation hands John Souttar a clear shot at the starting berth with Scotland, but the options are many for Steve Clarke’s side.
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In terms of natural centre-backs, Rangers defender John Souttar is joined by Liam Cooper (Hibs), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), and Ryan Porteous (Watford) in the squad.
Beyond that, Real Sociedad loanee Kieran Tierney has played at centre-back for Scotland whilst so has Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.
It means there is stiff competition for a spot on the plane to Germany and that’s a sentiment echoed by Ryan Porteous ahead of the friendlies with the Netherlands (A) and Northern Ireland (H).
“Just with the size of the squad and the amount of competition that’s there, the closer we get to the Euros, obviously everyone is right at it,” said Porteous.
“But to be fair, that’s the kind of standard that’s been set within the group over the last three or four years.
“With the group getting bigger, the appetite for places is going to increase. Everyone wants to be a part of it and they are showing it out there.
“Everyone is on the same path to ensure that Scotland as a team grows on and off the pitch. I think we’ve done that but there’s big games coming up where we can show that on the park.”
Rangers defender faces Euro 2024 challenge
With injuries in the Scotland camp, Rangers defender John Souttar will be confident that he can at least get some minutes during this international break.
The defender, who has bounced back from a series of fitness issues to become a regular for Rangers, has been used by Steve Clarke when fit.
But it is clear that if the Rangers centre-back wants to be on that plane to Germany then he will need to maintain his high standards in the Ibrox backline.
Competition is fierce and we’ve seen at every level – national and club – that it can only help players kick themselves on and become better.
With John Souttar the only Rangers representative in the Scotland squad, he is one of six who’ve been handed some inspiration by Scotland assistant John Carver.
