Bio:
Harry and John grew up in the Scottish village of Luthermuir in a football-mad family with strong ties to the game. Football support ran through generations, with family members travelling to France to follow Scotland at the 1998 World Cup.
Their father, Jack, was a former Brechin City player, and football played a central role in their upbringing. The brothers played together for Luthermuir Primary School alongside their younger cousin Hamish, with Jack as their manager, before progressing to Brechin City Boys’ Club and then professional academies.
Harry made his professional debut against Partick Thistle on 10 May 2016 and later that year signed for Stoke City, where he spent almost six years. During his time at Stoke, he had loan spells with Ross County and Fleetwood Town before becoming a regular first-team player.
In 2019, he made his international debut for Australia and went on to represent the country at the Olympics, the Asian Cup and the 2022 World Cup. Following an impressive World Cup, Harry joined Leicester City in January 2023 and was loaned to Sheffield United for the 2024/25 season. Ongoing injuries have limited his recent involvement, but he hopes to return to action for both club and country soon.
John played for Dundee United academy and became the youngest player to play for the United first team, making his professional debut on January 2nd, 2013, at the age of 16. He then went to play for the first team at United for four seasons before swapping tangerine for maroon, as in the 15/16 season, he joined hearts where he would spend 7 seasons.
Scotland came calling in 2018, and he made his debut in a friendly against Belgium, which I was in attendance at. John has also played in many youth Scotland matches but is more noticeable for the first team, including a goal in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers against Denmark.
John signed for Glasgow side Rangers at the start of the 22/23 season, where he has been ever since, playing in European competitions, domestic cup competitions and in the league. He also captained the Gers in the most recent Old Firm match in a 3-1 victory, while scoring a memorable goal in an Old Firm match a few years ago.
I was lucky enough to chat with Harry first.
Harry, what clubs did you play for at youth level?
“I played for Brechin City Boys’ Club, Celtic Academy and Dundee United Academy.”
Who were the best players you played with and against during your youth career?
“The best player I played with in my youth career was a player called Connor Okeefe, who plays in Australia now. I was at Celtic’s academy with him, and he was absolutely incredible, so comfortable with both feet. His nickname was Jinky, named after Jimmy Johnstone, and that says it all really. Although I did play with him at Dundee United, the best player I’ve played against at youth level would be Ali Coote, who plays in Ireland now .”
Who were your role models at youth level?
“My main role model at youth level was probably my brother John, who was a few years older and made his debut for Dundee United at 16. This was something to strive towards, seeing someone so young playing in the league at that age.”
Who was your favourite coach throughout your youth career?
“I had a few favourite coaches at youth level, one being Martin Miller at Celtic, who was absolutely incredible for all of us he worked with at that age. I can’t speak highly enough of him and what he done for me growing up. Another one being my dad at boys club and school football too.”
If you had one piece of advice for today’s generation of youth footballers, what would it be?
“One piece of advice for younger players is not be afraid to be yourself. Enjoy every session and every match because it goes by so, so quick”
John also responded with his answers.
What clubs did you play for at youth level?
Brechin City Boys Club Youth, Dundee United Youth Academy and Luthermuir Primary School.
Who were the best players you played with and against during your youth career?
“The best players I played with were Scott Fraser, Ryan Ferguson and Ryan guald I was glad to share a pitch with him”
Who were your role models at youth level?
“My role models at youth level were probably my coaches, including my dad [Jack Souttar].
Who was your favourite coach throughout your youth career?
My favourite coach would have been Dave Bowman. My dad was one of my coaches at youth level, and Ian Cathro was another good coach when I was growing up, but Dave Bowman had a massive effect on me, and even my brother is still in touch with him to this day. He’s an amazing guy. He was probably my favourite youth coach growing up, and still is my favourite coach.
If you had one piece of advice for today’s generation of youth footballers, what would it be?
“I’d say to believe in yourself, dream big, and go after whatever you want to go after. Don’t let anyone make you think small, go and dream big, aim for the stars and enjoy it.
