After evaluating Connor Goldson’s impact, it’s now time to have a look at fellow centre-back, Nikola Katic.
The defender arrived in July, costing Rangers just over £2 million from Croatian outfit, Slaven Belupo.
His former side are hardly a household name, but it quickly became clear that this guy had all the makings of an excellent player.
6ft 4′ and well-built, he brings a strong physical presence. He’s good in the air and isn’t slow across the ground, either.
He started really well at Ibrox, forming an effective partnership with Connor Goldson throughout the Europa League Qualifiers.
Katic went on to amass 19 Gers appearance by early November. That’s more than either Joe Worrall or Gareth McAuley have managed to date.
Frozen out by Gerrard
However, he has only featured once since then. Even that, was as an enforced second-half sub in the Boxing Day draw against Hibs.
While he didn’t cover himself in glory as the Gers conceded four away at Spartak Moscow, Katic’s punishment for what many believed to be only a minor dip in form, seems excessive.
Over the last two months, he has been regularly excluded from match day squads and has turned out twice for the Rangers Reserves, in order to get some minutes under his belt.
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Looking forward, given the current form of Rangers’ other centre-backs, Katic may need to wait patiently before his next opportunity arises.
Yet, he has shown he has the tools to succeed at Ibrox and is popular with the fans.
Despite his current situation, I don’t think he’s done a whole lot wrong, so far.
