Rangers already have Connor Goldson ‘replacement’ in place as ‘meltdown’ verdict issued – McLeish
Alex McLeish has suggested John Souttar could be a “direct replacement” for Connor Goldson at Rangers after impressing in Saturday’s Scottish Cup final.
The former Gers boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 25-year-old’s impending arrival could help prevent a “meltdown” should the current Ibrox star not sign a new contract.
As confirmed back in January, Souttar signed a pre-contract deal to join Rangers when his contract at Hearts expires this summer.
Meanwhile, Goldson’s future is up in the air, with his contract at Ibrox expiring in the coming weeks.
McLeish, who was at Hampden Park to watch Rangers beat Hearts 2-0, suggested Souttar could take the 29-year-old’s place.
“He could be a direct replacement for Goldson,” McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“Work has been ahead of the potential meltdown of players leaving.
“John Souttar had a really good game, I was really impressed with him. I felt he was Hearts’ best player.
“He was heading balls, he was reading the game and he’s such an assertive passer. When you see him making a pass, he plays it as if he means it.
“There’s a real confidence to that. That would stand him well coming into the Rangers team.”
Souttar played 33 times across all competitions for Hearts during the 2021/22 campaign.
He suffered from ankle injuries towards the end of the season that limited his game time.
He came back from a serious Achilles injury at the end of last season.
The centre-back has 189 Premiership appearances under his belt to date.
In other news, Allan McGregor pal reveals when Rangers contract decision will be made.