John Souttar and his childhood friend Ryan Gauld are thrilled to be reunited while representing Scotland. The two friends played football together as kids and progressed through the ranks at Brechin City Youths before moving to Dundee United. They even shared accommodation with current Scotland captain Andy Robertson during their time at Dundee United before pursuing separate career paths.
Souttar, now 28, continued his career at Hearts and then Rangers, while Gauld, also 28, had stints in Portugal with various clubs before joining Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada. Despite their different journeys, they have remained close friends and were excited to play together again for Scotland.
Both players have a history of playing together for Scotland’s youth teams, and Gauld recently came off the bench to join Souttar in matches against Croatia and Portugal. Souttar expressed his delight at being able to share the national team experience with his childhood friend, highlighting the bond they have maintained since their early days in football.
Scotland recently secured their first point in the Nations League campaign with a draw against Portugal. Despite facing a talented Portuguese side, the Scottish team put in a solid defensive performance to earn a valuable point. Goalkeeper Craig Gordon made a crucial save late in the game to deny Portugal a victory, showcasing the team’s determination to compete against strong opposition.
Gordon emphasized the team’s effort and commitment to securing positive results in upcoming matches against Croatia and Poland. The experienced goalkeeper acknowledged the challenges of facing top-tier teams but remained optimistic about Scotland’s potential to build on their recent performance. The team’s focus is now on preparing for the next set of fixtures and striving for more positive results in the tournament.
Overall, the reunion of Souttar and Gauld on the national team has brought a sense of camaraderie and shared history to the squad. Their friendship and shared experiences have added a personal touch to their professional endeavors, contributing to the team’s unity and spirit on the pitch. As Scotland continues its journey in the Nations League, the connection between Souttar and Gauld serves as a reminder of the enduring bonds forged through the beautiful game of football.