Nikola Katic could have a big role for Rangers next season after injury-ridden year
Nikola Katic has become something of a forgotten man at Rangers but we’re predicting he will bounce back in a big way once he recovers from injury.
The Croatian ruptured his ACL in pre-season so is still yet to feature this campaign.
There is no sign of a return any time soon either, despite his agent suggesting Katic was likely to be back by early 2021.
It has been an unfortunate spell out as Katic has missed the league win and the journey to the Europa League round of 16 once again.
His absence has been filled by Filip Helander and Leon Balogun, so Katic no doubt faces a tough challenge to win his place back in the side.
However, after missing out on success he should hold extra motivation to get back into the team.
All of the current squad can consider themselves Scottish champions but Katic will likely feel he has missed out on that.
Hopefully that added determination translates into hard work on the training pitch and in matches.
Steven Gerrard is a fan so Katic has it in his locker to become an important player next season.
The Gers boss labelled him a “winner and a warrior” last season while Kris Boyd compared his aerial ability to Cristiano Ronaldo – high praise indeed.
In 2019/20 Katic was on top form, achieving 5.1 interceptions and 4.6 clearances per league game [WyScout].
He often kept Helander out of the side, a player who has since gone on to become a mainstay in the Rangers defence.
If Katic can improve in the same manner – and at 24 he should – then there is still a chance for him to be a big success at Ibrox.
Overcoming a tough injury is the first goal, but a full pre-season should allow him to find his feet before getting up and running once more.
In other Rangers news, Charlie Adam has praised ‘phenomenal’ Gers ace who shows tremendous dedication.