Our sons are playing for two different countries at the World Cup

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Our sons are playing for two different countries at the World Cup4 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleLaura GoodwinandCraig Williams , ScotlandSouttar familyJack and Heather Souttar are heading to the US to see their boys playFor most Scots following the World Cup, who they're supporting isn't even a question. And football-mad Jack and Heather Souttar of Luthermuir in Aberdeenshire have more reason than most fans to be heading to the USA this week. Their son John is making his World Cup debut in the blue jersey of Scotland.

But that's where things get complicated. Because their younger son, Harry, is turning out in the gold of Australia. They're proud of both boys and looking forward to watching them play.

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But their sons' success means Jack and Heather need to get to two first-round games which are 3000 miles and six days apart. And they're keeping their fingers crossed and options open should both teams progress. As Jack says: "It's a big thing, I suppose.

We want to support both kids and both countries. Then the ball's in the air for the rest of it. "What's the score with watching Scotland in the World Cup?

From France to Naples: Scotland's last World Cup changed my lifeBoth defenders, John now plays at Rangers after stints with Dundee United and Hearts, while Harry - who also started at Tannadice - had a spell at Stoke before joining Leicester City. John first played for Scotland in 2018 and Harry has been a feature of the Australian national squad since 2019, thanks to mum Heather being born there. According to their parents, having two sons playing at the highest level means they can enjoy both their successes, and the boys enjoy a friendly and supportive rivalry.

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Jack says: "They're fairly close brothers, though there was a bit of scrapping when they were younger. "They're always talking to each other about games. They're always looking out for each other, that's for certain.

"The beautiful game has played a big part in the lives of all the Souttars. Jack turned out for Brechin in his youth and the next generation of three sons and two daughters all played and follow the game. Managing all that took a lot of commitment and organisation over the years.

"I think the big thing is that it was never a task for us," Jack says. "We trained at Dundee twice a week. Then we were going down to Glasgow twice a week and training down there.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.