John Souttar earns Scotland call up as Hearts star steps in after Grant Hanley and Ryan Fraser blows

The defender's form at the Tynecastle club has been rewarded.

Hearts centre-back John Souttar has been called into Steve Clarke's Scotland squad for crunch World Cup 2022 qualifiers against Moldova and Denmark.

Clarke has been dealt a double blow though as Norwich City skipper Grant Hanley and Newcastle United's Ryan Fraser drop out through injury.

Souttar has been a rock at the back for Hearts, who have enjoyed a successful start to the Premiership season, sitting in the league's top three.

Manager Robbie Neilson has been keen to keep the defender fit after multiple long-term Achilles injuries. He's now hit top form.

It's been deemed enough to catch Clarke's eye and he will join up with the squad ahead of Friday's qualifier against Moldova.

Victory in the encounter would secure a play-off spot next year as Scotland try to make the World Cup in Qatar next year.

Denmark come to a sold-out Hampden in eight days time as qualification wraps up.

Hanley's muscle problem was confirmed by Norwich City earlier this week and his exit from the squad has been officially confirmed. Fraser is also not fit enough to participate.

Souttar has three caps for his country and joins Jambos teammate Craig Gordon in the ranks.