Nations League: Scotland’s John Souttar on Ryan Gauld friendship

Scotland defender John Souttar says playing for the national team with his childhood friend Ryan Gauld has been “amazing”.

The 28-year-olds played football together as children in Aberdeenshire before they progressed through Brechin City’s youth team.

They then both moved to Dundee United – where they shared accommodation with Scotland captain Andrew Robertson – and became first-team regulars at Tannadice before their careers took different paths.

Souttar moved to Heart of Midlothian in 2016 then Rangers in 2022 while Gauld is at Canadian club Vancouver Whitecaps via spells in Portugal with Sporting, Vitoria de Setubal, Aves and Farense – as well as loan move to Hibernian.

The pair played frequently together in Scotland youth sides and were reunited in dark blue when Gauld came off the bench to join Souttar in Saturday’s 2-1 Nations League defeat against Croatia in Zagreb.

The playmaker, once regarded as one of the most talented young players in Europe, did likewise against Portugal at Hampden Park on Tuesday.

“It’s amazing,” said Souttar after the 0-0 draw that ended Scotland’s run of four consecutive defeats.

“Obviously, we grew up together. Our parents are friends, and we played since we were tiny, at a boys club, at school – we went to school together.

“We have been through everything and now we are together in the national team. So, yeah, it’s amazing.”