We continue our end of season review of the most interesting players in Scottish football in 2018/19 with a look at how Hearts centre-back John Souttar fared.
It was a season of contrasts for John Souttar. He started the season helping Hearts to the top of the league, and made his Scotland debut.
Suffered long-term injury
However, he suffered a hip injury in October which kept him out of action for more than three months. By the time he returned to the side, Hearts’ league chances were long gone.
He picked up where he left off though, and helped Hearts reach the Scottish Cup Final. Despite a fine performance in the final, Souttar was unable to prevent Hearts losing to Celtic.
Good season overall
Overall though, it was a good season for Souttar. He made 35 appearances for the Tynecastle side, and it would have been even more if not for the injury.
Injuries did badly affect Hearts last season. Despite this, they managed to do well in domestic cups, but their league form suffered.
Should Souttar stay fit for most of next season, Hearts have a real chance of improving their league position. That could depend on Souttar remaining at the club.
Rangers were credited with an interest in the player a few months ago. However, it all seems to have gone quiet on that front, which is good news for Hearts.
Souttar is one of Hearts’ most important players, as he showed last season. They won’t want to lose him anytime soon.