Harry Souttar treads a familiar route in bid to represent Australia at World Cup | Joey Lynch

The imposing Socceroos defender has already proved he can make an impact at a major tournament despite an injury-affected build-up

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Harry Souttar rallied back from a ruptured ACL to play a starring role in the Socceroos’ unlikely push to the knockout stages. Fast forward four years, and it’s a similar story for the towering defender; the 27-year-old has only recently returned to action from a torn Achilles that robbed him more than a year of his career, and is again out to prove his fitness to his coach.

Those of a more seasoned vintage might also note that Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic is familiar with what Souttar is going through. Popovic knows exactly what a dedicated mindset and proven veteran can bring to the fold off the back of very little football, having himself gone through a similar experience over 20 years ago.