John Souttar reckons victory over Nice would be a timely shot in the arm for Rangers as Philippe Clement’s side look to move within touching distance of Europa League qualification.

Rangers have seven points from their first four fixtures this term after following up the wins over Malmo and FCSB with a draw against Olympiacos last time out. Now Clement’s side have travelled to the south of France with their sights set on what would be a stand-out result in a difficult campaign to date.

Clement shot down suggestions that Rangers are better suited to European football as he outlined the toll that injuries have taken on his squad once again of late. And Souttar believes a positive result at the Allianz Riviera could act as a welcome boost on the back of the dispiriting draw against Dundee United on Saturday.

“Yeah, I think we've had some really good performances from Europe, against some top teams,” Souttar said. “We've came away from Olympiacos with a 1-1 draw, which is a difficult thing to do. But as a group, we've got a game planned [for Nice]. And as the gaffer said, we're here to win.

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“I don't think it's anything to do with style, or how we change it. We've performed better in Europe than in some league games. We've performed better in the league in some games, but in Europe we've probably done it more consistently.

“And that's something that we're trying to correct in the league. As I said, everyone's looking forward to it, it's a great opportunity for us. Another week in Europe with a lot of travelling support, so everyone's looking forward to it.

“I think when everyone seen the draw coming out of it, they realised it was a tough group for us. And we've got some big results at home and away, and [against Nice] it would be brilliant to get the three points, and it's what we're all aiming for, and it's what we're working for. As you said, it would be a good thing for the team, and it takes belief when you get big results like that, and it brings everyone together, so it's something we're all aiming for.”

Clement will be without Ianis Hagi and Danilo for the matchday five fixture, and he confirmed that Oscar Cortes, Rabbi Matondo and Tom Lawrence are making positive steps as they look to return to action. As he detailed his squad issues, he singled out Souttar for praise for the reliability and consistency he has shown over the course this term.

Souttar has become an integral part of the plans for club and country of late. After so many significant setbacks over his career, he is pleased to be proving his worth on a regular basis.

“I think it's just hard work,” Souttar said. “Hard work from everyone, the manager, the staff. Obviously when I came, when I arrived, my first season I had a lot of problems. But the last two seasons I've felt really good, and this season I feel like I'm in a really good spot physically. I feel like I'm playing every three days and I feel really good. So that's a credit to the club and everything that goes on behind the scenes, because as I say, I feel really good and I feel comfortable playing every game.

“It's a good feeling as a player when you feel comfortable playing every game, and you feel like you can do that, because when you're at a big club and you want to play centre-back, you need to play every three games, you have to be there, you have to be consistent. So it was important for me and my career to get to that level, and thankfully this season I have.”