'He was bullied' - Hartson rubbishes 'psychological problem' at Ibrox as he slams Rangers man

John Hartson has torn into John Souttar rubbishing any suggestions of a “psychological problem” at Rangers after he was “bullied” against Kilmarnock.

The Light Blues returned from the international break in disappointing fashion as they were beaten 1-0 at Rugby Park on Sunday (20 October) thanks to Marley Watkins’ late winner.

Although Jack Butland came under fire for his role in the home side’s winner, Hartson was quick to slam Souttar suggesting the defender needed to have a “look at himself” ahead of the Europa League clash with FCSB.

Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show (22 October, 23:05) Paul Cooney asked: “Do you think it is a psychological problem?”

Hartson replied: “I don’t. I think John Souttar has got to have a look at himself. He was bullied for the goal. They’ve been saying John Souttar is the best defender in the country.

“Ok, he’s done well for Scotland and he’s not done an awful lot wrong for Rangers but at the weekend, the way that he was pushed off the ball, it was too easy. When you’re 0-0 in the game and it’s very much even-stevens, he’s got to stand up.

“Your best defender has got to stand up.”

What has happened to John Souttar at Rangers and Ibrox?

As Hartson suggests, it feels as though Souttar has barely put a foot out of line for both club and country over the last few months, quickly becoming one of Clement’s more reliable players at Ibrox.

But all of that good work went completely out of the window against Kilmarnock on Sunday as he was easily brushed off of the ball by Watkins having struggled to contain the home side’s strike force all afternoon.

While Robin Propper also has to take his share of the blame for the poor defensive performance at Rugby Park, as the Dutchman looked miles off of the pace, it was Souttar’s error that came back to bite Clement’s side.

The Scotland international simply cannot afford to make mistakes like that this season. If he does, it will not only cost him his place in Clement’s starting XI but it could also cost the Rangers manager his job at Ibrox.

In other Rangers news, Clement has dropped a new Ridvan Yilmaz update ahead of the Gers’ next Europa League clash

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