JOHN PUTS ON HIS BIG GAME FACE

Stormy weather and Sons’ soggy turf suit Souttar to a tee

- ANDY NEWPORT

JOHN SOUTTAR reckons dealing with wild weather and problem pitches is what the Scottish Cup is all about.

But the Rangers defender admits the name of the game now for his team is to make sure they avoid a Premiership slip-up at Easter Road.

Philippe Clement's side had to overcome not only Dumbarton but also the effects of Storm Isha as well as the Rock's ropey park as they booked their place in the fifth round on Saturday night.

It was no match for the fainthearted, with Stephen Farrell's League Two part-timers looking to use their spongy surface as a leveller.

Gers were made to work for it but they got the job done in the end as first-half goals from John Lundstram and Cyriel Dessers were followed up after the break by a James Tavernier penalty plus a Scott Wright strike on the winger's 100th appearance for the Light Blues.

But there's an even more daunting mission coming up in Leith on Wednesday night as the Ibrox side head east to face Hibs.

The match will see Clement's side fulfill the first of two games in hand on table-toppers Celtic and a win will slash the Hoops advantage back to just five points.

But with defensive stalwart Connor Goldson suspended, Gers Belgian boss will have to rejig his centre-back pairing.

It looks like Souttar will start alongside Leon Balgoun and the Scotland stopper knows he has to hit the heights of the man he's filling in for if Rangers are to avoid being bogged down in the capital.

Souttar said: "Every game we've got to be at it. It's all about taking one game at a time and everybody has to perform to their best, no matter who is playing.

"We know that and I'm looking forward to the opportunity.