If there was a degree of acceptance among Rangers supporters that Connor Goldson’s best days in light blue were behind him last season, his departure to Aris Limassol this summer still came with nagging concern.
Signed by Steven Gerrard in 2018, the former Brighton man’s defensive qualities and attendance record were beyond reproach until injuries started to take their toll.
While a parting of the ways eventually seemed the best thing for both parties, there was no question that the dressing room would be a quieter place without him.
An ever-present in the side which won the title in 2021, Goldson was never backward in coming forward when it came to offering advice and critical appraisal.
With a line drawn under his Rangers odyssey, it was incumbent on others to fill the void. In this sense, the words of John Souttar have been music to Jack Butland’s ears.
John Souttar has been one of Rangers’ best performers so far this season
Connor Goldson was always a big vocal presence for Rangers but Souttar is filling the void
Jack Butland has been impressed by the growing leadership qualities he sees in Souttar
‘Not many people can be as loud as Connor — that was a huge strength of his and something that we really valued,’ said the keeper. ‘John is a voice as well.
‘We have a leadership group. He’s an important part of that, not just for off-the-field matters but for off-pitch stuff.
‘I think he’s certainly leading with his performances at the minute and vocally. He’s a fantastic defender and we’re lucky to have him. He’s such a huge character.’
Whether or not Goldson’s departure has sub- consciously triggered something within Souttar, he’s been in an extremely good place over the past month.
No stranger to injuries throughout his career, the 28-year-old also had to cope with the blow of being axed from the Scotland squad just before Euro 2024.
But what doesn’t kill you does apparently make you stronger — and, this week, he was named in Steve Clarke’s latest squad.
‘He’s extremely professional,’ added Butland. ‘He loves the club. He loves what he does. He’s been through some difficult times.
For a man to come back from that takes a lot of doing. But he puts a lot of time and effort into making sure that he’s maintaining his fitness and doing whatever he can to keep his levels.
‘That’s a testament to him. He’s been a huge part of the season so far and I’m sure he’s going to be a huge part of the season to come.’
One month on from being run ragged at Celtic Park, Rangers’ new-look defence is improving by the week.
Souttar looked relaxed in training ahead of his side’s Europa League clash with Lyon at Ibrox
Souttar’s understanding with Robin Propper was always going to take time to develop. After an encouraging run of clean sheets, that critical evolution has taken place right before Butland’s eyes.
‘I think it’s six in the last seven,’ he said. ‘Hopefully, we’re going to keep that going. It gives us a real platform to play.
‘That’s something that we’ve prided ourselves on and something that we need to continue. Certainly, that starts again tomorrow.
‘John and Robin have both been brilliant. I think for someone like Robin to come in, he’s an experienced defender, he’s played for some great clubs and at good levels as well.
‘He’s stepped in and I think we’ve seen the best of him. I think there’s even more to come.
Connor moving on has allowed John to play perhaps on his more favoured side, but I think he did fantastic for us on the left as well last year.
He’s someone that gives everything for the club. I think he’s grown incredibly as a defender and I think he’s matured into a really top, top centre-half.
‘It’s great. I love having him in front of me and I think, as a partnership, they’re growing.
If that partnership is not quite right, clean sheets can sometimes be hard to come by.’
To chalk up a fifth consecutive shut-out tonight, Philippe Clement’s side will have to produce a flawless rearguard display.
While Lyon have struggled for consistency on all fronts this term, they can still unleash players of the calibre of Alexandre Lacazette and Said Benrahma.
Lyon’s star-studded squad familiarise themselves with Ibrox ahead of Europa League tie
But Rangers have made a happy habit of overcoming the odds at this level over the past six years.
They tend to come to life in the Europa League. Butland believes the French will underestimate them at their peril.
Asked why the team continues to pull off results, he said: ‘The challenge. The underdog story. People that don’t think you can. That’s always something that keeps this club coming back.
‘If you want to write us off, go for it. But we’ll relish the challenge.
That’s something we’ve done in the European games. It’s something we need to continue throughout all the competitions we’re in.
They’re great opportunities for people to showcase what they’re about, which we have done. I hope we do a little bit more this year.’