The Ben Doak rules that Tartan Army MUST follow as Scotland teammate offers insight on 'next big thing' tag

The Liverpool wonderkid impressed during his first start for the national side

John Souttar knows what it’s like to be hailed as Scotland’s next big thing.

As a kid at Dundee United, the defender was thrown as a 16-year-old with everyone predicting a star-studded future. Injuries might have curtailed Souttar’s career to an extent. But he’s still managed to become a Rangers centre-half and on Saturday night in Croatia he was back at the heart of Scotland’s back-line. Alongside him was teenage winger Ben Doak, who was making his first start for the national team.

The Liverpool live wire was excellent for Steve Clarke’s side, despite the 2-1 defeat in Zagreb. Souttar was impressed by Doak’s performance but - maybe from his own experience - he urged the Tartan Army and others not to pile too much expectation on his young shoulders. The 28-year-old said: “Ben was really good against Croatia. But it’s just important for us to focus on that, look at what he did in the game - without putting too much pressure on him.

“We should let him enjoy his football and give him that freedom to play. Don’t put pressure on a young boy, just let him go out and perform.

“I thought he was excellent on Saturday night. I didn’t have to speak to him. I think he just goes and enjoys himself. He’s so young right now so he’s got to do that. For me personally, it was definitely good to be back in the team.

“I was disappointed in the summer (after being left out of Euro 2024 squad) but that’s football. You’re going to have disappointments in your career and you have to react to them. I’m just glad to be back in the side now.”

Souttar produced a strong display against the Croats and is expected to keep his place for Portugal’s visit to Hampden on Tuesday. It was another night of agony in Zagreb as Scotland slipped to their third straight one-goal Nations League defeat.

They thought they’d equalised late on only for VAR to rule out a goal for offside. Clarke’s side have performed well in the games against Poland, Portugal and Croatia so far - but have emerged with no points.

Souttar was left gutted by their latest loss but pleased with how the Scots played against a quality outfit. Especially as the manager is having to operate without a raft of key players who are injured. Souttar said: “It was difficult to accept on Saturday night, especially the ending to the game.

“But we were up against a top side. There were spells when we actually moved the ball really well. The offside goal rips the heart out of you. We felt we’d got it back so it’s tough to take.

“It’s difficult when everyone puts so much into a game and it ends the way it does. I watched our last two games and thought the boys were excellent for the majority of both of them.

“It’s just been the small details at both ends of the pitch that’s been the problem. There’s so much quality out there, it’s the small moments that make the difference.

“But we passed the ball well against Croatia and created chances in both halves. So it’s positive to look back on. Especially with so many players missing. We have a lot of quality missing.

“But the ones coming through have to take their chance. You don’t always get an opportunity to play for your nation. There are boys who have been excellent through the years out of the squad for one reason or another. So it’s up to the ones coming in to do a job.”

Clarke’s team have won just once in 15 games now and are in desperate need of a victory. But it doesn’t get any easier with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co up next at Hampden.

Souttar insists spirit in the camp is still high and he’s convinced that an elusive win is on the horizon. He saids: “I feel there’s a result coming, absolutely. If we can play like we did in Croatia and keep the belief, it will happen. Obviously it’s not going to be easy on Tuesday night but we just need to stick together because I know it will turn.”

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