Another fantastic Nikola Katic performance on Thursday left Rangers fans absolutely purring on social media.

The Croatian centre-back was solid alongside Connor Goldson, as Maribor failed to breach the Gers ever-improving defence.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JULY 12: Nikola Katic of Rangers battles with Bllazhe Ilijoski of FC Shkupi during the UEFA Europa League Qualifying Round match between Rangers and Shkupi at Ibrox Stadium on July 12, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Katic, signed for just Β£2 million this summer from Slaven Belupo, showed fantastic maturity for one still so young, as he has done pretty much since his arrival.

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The 21-year-old was composed in possession, and rugged in the tackle, and he is fast becoming a real fan favourite at the club.

The importance of his contributions to the Steven Gerrard project should not be understated; Katic is a huge reason why the team have improved so much defensively since the Liverpool legend arrived at the club.

He is slowly proving to be a wonderfully shrewd piece of business, and there’s potential for him to become a Rangers cult hero in no time at all.

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Collectively it was another great performance from the Gers, who worked their socks off to prevent Maribor from getting back into the tie with aggregate scoreline at 3-1 – the game on the night ending 0-0.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JULY 12: Nikola Katic of Rangers in action during the UEFA Europa League Qualifying Round match between Rangers and Shkupi at Ibrox Stadium on July 12, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

3-1 was a decent lead, but the Slovenians’ away goal had been a cause for concern. Ultimately though, the away side dealt with the fixture very professionally.

The Light Blues put in an industrious display and did not underestimate their opponents, and managed to hold their nerve late on as they cranked up the pressure – Allan McGregor saving a late penalty.

Fans were pleased to see that defensive solidity from Gerrard’s men on display once again, with Katic standing out at the Ljudski Stadion:

 
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