John Souttar spoke to the media in Germany ahead of Rangers' final pre-season game against Hoffenheim. Here's everything he had to say...

How are you feeling ahead of a big season?

“I feel good and as fit as I have in a long time. I’ve had a good pre-season and I feel sharp.

“It’s a big season for me personally because obviously last year didn’t go the way I wanted it to.

“But that just makes this season all the more important. It’s definitely a big campaign for me."

Do you feel like a Rangers player now after a difficult start? 

“I do feel like a Rangers player now and I think that just comes from playing games.

“I feel comfortable within the group now, comfortable playing in this team and I’m ready to show people what I can do."

Fans like you, but the caveat is always whether can stay fit. Does that frustrate you, or do you understand?

“I think it’s natural for fans to question if I can stay fit because I was injured last year.

“That’s just a fact so I understand it. It’s something that I have to accept and do my best to prove wrong.

“The more games I play, the less they’ll feel like that. That’s why it’s my aim to play as many games as I can this season.

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“It’s not even so much about proving other people wrong - I have to prove to myself.

“Since I came back from injury, that’s all I’ve wanted to do - to stay injury free and bring as much success as possible to this club."

Pre-season hasn't been great, but are you confident ahead of next Saturday? 

“Pre-season has been tough for us but the start of the season is when it really matters.

“I know every game matters at Rangers but when there are points to put on the board and Champions League qualification at stake, that’s when we need to be at it - and I’m sure we will be.

“At other clubs, you might get away with a slow start but it doesn’t work like that at Rangers.

“You need to be at it from off and everyone will be."

Can you explain to the new players what it's like at Rangers - you have to win at all costs...

“As soon as the new boys play at Ibrox, they immediately realise the demands.

“If they’re not from this country, it won’t take them long to pick up on it because it’s quite clear within the building in terms of the messages the manager gives you.

It's a new team this season, but there are no excuses - you have to win...

“Even though we’ve brought in a lot of new players, we know we have to win this season.

“The boys who have come in have to hit the ground running, which I’m sure they will do."

You've got a few silver medals from your career, how important is it to win trophies this season?

“It would be massive for me to win medals and trophies this season. That’s why I joined this club.

“It would be huge for me personally to achieve that."

A few winners medals and the EUROS next summer would be a good season...

“Of course, getting to the Euros with Scotland next summer is a target of mine but first of all I need to concentrate on Rangers - that’s all I’m focusing on.

“Hopefully I can get a good season under my belt, continue to improve and the rest will take care of itself."

Are you keen to have Connor Goldson back from injury? 

“Every team wants their best players on the pitch and Connor is one of our best players.

“He’s also a top man. On the pitch and off it, he’s massive for us.

“With the experience he’s got, that can only benefit any team.

“We’ve got a good group of boys here and there’s strong competition for every place now.

“But in the few games I’ve played with Connor, I’ve really enjoyed the partnership.

“We’ve also got Jack behind us now which is encouraging.

“It’s difficult to judge any of the new boys yet and Jack has big shoes to feel after Greegsy, a club legend.

“But I’m sure Jack will do well for us."

Does the manager encourage you to step out from the back?

“Centre-backs at this club get quite a lot of time on the ball, especially in the league so it’s important that we start attacks for the team.

“It’s something the manager encourages me to do, or whoever is playing back there.

“It’s something I want to keep doing whenever I get the chance.”