Harry Souttar’s World Cup heroics will provide inspiration to every youngster emerging through the ranks at Dundee United.
That is the view of Tannadice head coach Liam Fox.
Souttar, 24, was imperious in the Socceroos’ 1-0 victory over Tunisia on Saturday, winning everything in the air, crunching into challenges and showcasing excellent distribution.
The display prompted BBC pundit Danny Murphy to dub the Brechin City season-ticket holder “Superman”, while Aussie legend Mark Schwarzer tipped him for a move to the English Premier League.
Souttar — currently on the books of Stoke City — may have only played three times for United’s first-team but did spend three years in the Tannadice academy.
And the Terrors will be due 15% of any future sell-on fee following his departure in 2016.
“Harry Souttar has been excellent for Australia and that’s a great testament to the work done by the coaches in our academy,” said Fox.
“Everyone plays a small part in a player’s development and it all adds together when they get into a first-team and play at that level.
“Harry Souttar has done really well to come back from his injury and get to that level, performing like that at a World Cup.
“When you have kids coming through at the start of their careers, you want them to look up to players who have come before them and gone on to a high level.
“That gives them encouragement to continue to work hard, dedicate themselves and make the sacrifices you have to make.”
State of play
Australia will reach the last-16 of the World Cup if they merely avoid defeat against Denmark this afternoon, providing Tunisia do not beat France.
A win guarantees progression for Graham Arnold’s men.
Tangerines full-back Aziz Behich, also solid in the tournament so far, is likely to win his 56th cap.
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