Rangers handed boost as Scotland defender John Souttar returns to training after injury

Rangers have received some good news on the defensive front with John Souttar returning to training this week.

The Scotland defender has missed the last eight games with a muscle injury and Danny Rohl’s options at the back have been limited with Derek Cornelius also out and Nasser Djiga away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

Souttar is unlikely to be available for the visit of Motherwell in the William Hill Premiership on Saturday but could be ready for the home game against St Mirren on December 30.

Rohl said: “John was good yesterday (Monday); he trained for the first time as part of the session.

“Let’s see what it means today and tomorrow, but it’s a huge step.

“I’m not sure if it’s enough for the weekend, but with the games coming now, it helps.

“Could be (ready for St Mirren), yeah. I think when you play every three days, then you have to see. But the big step was yesterday, to come back to a training session. He looks good, he looks fit, this is great.

“All the other players, not really new information. Oli (Oliver Antman) makes steps forward, Nedim’s (Bajrami) scan was positive, but it needs a couple more days.

“Hopefully I didn’t forget someone. (Derek) is a long term, I think it is maybe February.”

After six wins and two draws on the domestic front since taking over from Russell Martin in October, Rohl suffered his first home defeat with a 2-1 loss to league leaders Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday.

The Light Blues are 12 points adrift of the Jambos with a game in hand but the former Sheffield Wednesday boss is not giving up on the title yet.

He said: “In general, I think we looked at the seven games, which started with Hibs until the cup game (against Annan on January 16), and we spoke about how we need a lot of points.

“After the Hearts game, of course, the feeling is disappointment.

“But we have to go forward again. It’s about us creating a new momentum, a new run.

“I think when you look back, I know football is not always easy, but if I asked you eight weeks ago if it is possible to have, at the end of December, a game where we can play again for maybe the title race? Then you would say, I’m not sure.

“It hurts so much at the moment that we had this small setback, but it’s for us to start winning games again.

“There are still 20 games to go, and if you do this, then you have a chance.”