"I feel very strong": Souttar raring to go ahead of potential return

Chris Curulli 1668909839,1668909885

It's been a long road back for Harry Souttar.

But despite a year of trials and tribulations, the Socceroos and Stoke City centre-half has timed his run to perfection.

This month's call-up to Australia's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ squad arrived a matter of weeks after Souttar's return to first team football, following a serious knee injury suffered in November 2021.

Harry Souttar — Souttar last represented the Socceroos in Sydney on November 11, 2021

Speaking to the media ahead of his nation's opening fixture against France, the towering defender opened up on the mental and physical challenges of his rehabilitation process - whilst assuring he is now back feeling better than ever.

"It was a long 12 months trying to get back, but fitness wise I feel great and obviously just delighted to be part of the squad," said Souttar.

As the months went by I wasn't sure if I was going to be there or not so to get the final call was amazing and a really proud moment."

Putting the hours of lonely work in the gym aside, Souttar provided a window into the mental side of his recovery process.

One key part of this proved to be his brother John, a Scottish international, who has suffered more than his fair share of setbacks over the years.

"For me a big part of the rehab was speaking to my brother, who has done three achilles injuries and been out for a few years," revealed Souttar. "To see what he's been through it made it seem not so bad."

I think you have doubts in your head along the way, being out for a year there are obviously ups and downs.

"It's just a gradual process, your have first session out on the grass jogging in a straight line for a minute, then that progresses to passing a ball five yards, and 10 yards and so on.

"I know a lot of lads that say the first session back when you get a bang on it or big tackle, you know how you feel. I've had a few of them and came through."

"I don't think I ever thought in my head that I wasn't going to make it, always knew that if I worked hard I was going to do it in the end."

Sharing the exciting news that he is in contention to feature against the reigning world champions on Tuesday night (local time), Souttar echoed the sentiment of belief shared his teammates over the last few days.

"It's going to be a really tough challenge, but we've got so much faith and so much belief that we can go out there and do something," he declared.

"Fitness-wise I feel great, I feel fine and mentally I feel very strong as well. It was a hard road but now I'm here and can't wait to get going."