John Souttar has said he is physically and mentally ready to join Rangers, having moved from Hearts.
The Scotland defender signed a pre-contract agreement with the Ibrox club in January.
And he said it is “brilliant” to be joining after being officially unveiled as a Rangers player on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old is currently on international duty as Scotland take on Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier at Hampden.
“It’s been a long time since I signed the pre-contact in January, but it’s a brilliant day for me and my family to join Rangers,” Souttar told Rangers TV.
“It nearly happened in January, so it was obviously just dealing with that set back of it not happening and focusing on the football.
“It was difficult at the time but after it was over with, it was over with, so I just gave 100% focus on the task at hand at Hearts.
“Obviously I had that wee small injury problem a few months ago, but it was always in my head to get back for the Scotland games and get ready for the summer.”
Souttar described Rangers’ run to the Europa League final as “amazing”, as he spoke of his excitement at joining the club.
“I’ve been brought up in Scotland so I know the size of the club, I know what it means to people,” he said.
“When I met the manager, it was exciting. He gave me his thoughts, he was just in the door as well.
“And he gave me his thoughts on what he thought, how he wanted to play and stuff like that, and it was exciting.”
‘When you join Rangers, it’s expected to win things every season, that’s the bare minimum, you expect to win things.’
John Souttar
Souttar continued: “I think the last few months have been unbelievable for everyone at the club.
“The run in the Europa League and stuff like that was amazing I think for everyone, so yeah, it’s very exciting to join the football club.”
The defender explained that he “can’t wait” to experience the feeling of being expected to win trophies at Ibrox.
“I think in this stage of my career, it’s brilliant to be joining. I feel like I’m ready physically, mentally to join Rangers,” he said.
“I know the expectation and the challenges there, but I’m just really looking forward to it.
“I think there’s a lot of momentum around the club and it’s an exciting time to be here.”
Souttar added: “When you join Rangers, it’s expected to win things every season, that’s the bare minimum, you expect to win things.
“So, for me to come in, that’s why you join Rangers, to come and win trophies, so I can’t wait to come in and experience that feeling.”
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
