CRAIG LEVEIN is in no doubt that John Souttar will go on to be a huge success at Rangers after agreeing a pre-contract move from Hearts, labelling the transfer as the 'steal of the century'.

The former Tynecastle manager, now a director in the capital, first saw Souttar as a 12-year-old when the pair worked at Dundee United before they were reunited in Gorgie.

Three serious injuries to the centre-back's Achilles tendon disrupted his time at Hearts and Levein reckons the even the most diehard supporters won't begrudge him the move to Ibrox as a result.

"It’s the steal of the century," he told the Scottish Sun.

"But I don’t think anyone can blame John for making this decision given everything he’s been through.

"I had similar injury problems so I completely understand his decision to take this opportunity to secure the future for him and his family.

"Yes, I am a Hearts supporter and a big part of me would have loved it had he stayed at the club.

"But when you’ve had the types of injuries he’s had you don’t know when the curtain will come down.

"In a way I’m glad he’s gone to Rangers too from the point of view that he’ll have the chance to win some trophies. That’s something I never managed in my career.

"If he then wants to go down to England after that then I’m sure he’ll get that opportunity if he continues his progression.

"I’ve had a couple of conversations with him and it was definitely a big decision for him to make. But I think he’s made the right one."