JOHN SOUTTAR will hope to win his fifth Scotland cap later tonight when the Dark Blues take on Ukraine in their World Cup play-off semi-final.
Not since November have the Scots played in a competitive match, that being their hugely memorable 2-0 victory over previously undefeated Denmark at Hampden to secure a home play-off with the Ukrainians.
Souttar grabbed himself the opening goal at the National Stadium that night, and is desperate to take his place in Steve Clarke’s backline again this evening as they aim to set up a mouth-watering clash with Wales in Cardiff on Sunday – the winner of that progressing to Qatar in November.
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Speaking ahead of the match, Souttar said: "To be involved in any capacity with Scotland at the minute is fantastic. There is a good atmosphere around the whole camp and to be involved with those games would be brilliant.
"I want to get to the World Cup and I think everyone in the country does. I know all the boys and myself will be doing everything we can to achieve that."
By moving to Rangers and having the opportunity of regular European football, Souttar hopes that will heighten his chances of adding to those five caps to his name so far.
He continued: "Coming to a big club like Rangers, it gives you that opportunity to play in Europe and to play at a high level and hopefully, by doing that, it will make me a mainstay for the national team."
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The rescheduled calendar for Scotland off the back of their initial Ukraine fixture date in March being postponed means a hectic four or potentially five fixtures in 14 days.
Their last match comes just under two weeks prior to Gers reporting back for pre-season – but having overcome serious injury issues in recent times, that doesn’t bother Souttar at all as he is just desperate to get to work as a Ranger.
He added: "There won't be a lot of time, but having been through the last two years, I just want to play football and I am excited to get here.
"I am sure there will be an off-season programme but I am just looking forward to getting started with this club."
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