Nikola Katic has spoken to RangersTV to assess his maiden season at Rangers and to preview what’s to come in 2019/20.
The 6ft 4″ Croatian signed for the Gers last June from little-known Slaven Belupo for a reported £2 million [Scottish Sun].
He featured heavily over the initial part of the season. In those early stages, he endeared himself to the Ibrox faithful through his physical, old fashioned approach to defending.
However, he didn’t have things all his own way. Katic was forced to watch on throughout the winter months as Gareth McAuley and Joe Worrall spent time partnering Connor Goldson.
He returned to the starting lineup at the backend of the campaign, though, impressing particularly during the post-split period.
Pleasing first campaign
On reflection, he’s content with how things panned out but is keen to kick on.
“It was good and to play 30 games in the first season is not bad,” the 22-year-old told RangersTV. “There were difficult times as well like in December, but generally, when I looked back at the end of the season, it was good to have played that number of games.”
“The last five games I played and the win over Celtic were great especially. It was a really positive run and we played some really good football. It was a shame the championship was over, but I think we can start it again and we have the quality to do big things this year.
“I am really happy as I enjoy being with the guys. We have kept a lot of players from last season and we have added quality with the new players. I think I improved a lot by training with top players and playing with Connor (Goldson), Gareth (McAuley} and Joe (Worrall).”
“They are all top defenders and helped improve my game a lot over the year. This season, I can show a lot more from me, and I am ready to go and show my qualities.”
If Stevie G’s reported swoop for Martin Skrtel [Daily Record] goes ahead, Nikola could soon face frustrating times.
However, he’s still a young player learning his trade. Based on what we’ve seen so far, he has all the attributes to become a star over the coming years.
