£2 million summer signing, Nikola Katic, is finally getting another opportunity at Rangers.
Earlier in the season, he was punished severely for a minor slump in form.
Before last week’s trip to Livingston, he hadn’t started a league match since November.
However, after a social media campaign and an injury to Connor Goldson, he was finally reinstated.
For a player so starved of first team football, he delivered a pretty commanding display.
He then followed that up with a steady outing against lowly Cowdenbeath, in mid-week.
With Connor Goldson ruled out through injury ahead of the game against St Mirren, the Croatian is highly likely to get the nod once again.
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Is he capable of becoming a regular?
Vice-captain, Goldson, will slot straight back into the starting XI once fully fit.
Therefore, Katic is competing with both Joe Worrall and Gareth McAuley to be his centre-back partner.
In order to do so, he needs to find long-term consistency.
In theory, if any rustiness is still lingering, St Mirren are a good side to come up against.
They are bottom of the SPL and average less than a goal per game.
More serious challenges are to come though.
For example, Aberdeen lie in wait next week. They have Sam Cosgrove – arguably the league’s in-form striker – in their armoury.
Katic is a big physical presence, a no nonsense defender and a big fan favourite.
Yet, with others waiting in the wings, any slip up could lead to another extended spell on the sidelines.
The pressure is undoubtedly on – let’s see if he can rise to the challenge.
