John Souttar: Mills has major concerns after Hearts plan v Rangers revealed
Hearts should not start John Souttar against Rangers on Sunday (6 February), according to Danny Mills.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Premier League and England full-back claimed it would be hard for Souttar to be at the top of his game against his future club.
Robbie Nielson revealed, via Sky Sports, today (4 February) he has no concerns with his defender starting at Ibrox.
Souttar did not feature in the Edinburgh derby with Hibs on Tuesday (1 February) due to an ankle injury.
Rangers struck a pre-contract deal with the Scotland international in the January window and he will link up with his new side at the end of the current campaign.
They had a deadline-day bid of £400,000 rejected by Hearts for the 25-year-old.
Asked for his verdict on Souttar potentially featuring against the Gers, Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “I’m not sure I’d play him.
“That’s like a player who is on loan playing against his parent club, that’s the way I see it. I’m not sure that’s a good idea.
“I would never bring a player’s integrity into it but it will be hard for him not to think about it.
“Even if it affects your performance by five per cent it’s not worth the risk. I’d be tempted to leave him out because of that.”
Souttar has played 176 Scottish Premiership games in his time for Hearts and Dundee United.
He has missed just three games this season and his form led to a recall to the Scotland squad.
In other news, the SPFL have been told to ‘step in’ after a ‘massive’ controversy spotted at Rangers.