Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has spoken to Rangers.co.uk about Nikola Katic.
On Thursday evening, the club surprisingly announced that the 23-year-old defender had signed a contract extension tieing him to Ibrox until 2023. That’s despite the player only joining last summer on a four-year deal.
The news was met with jubilation by Bears who sing the Croatian’s praises on a regular basis.
The Gers boss recognised the fact that Katic is a fans favourite, but stressed it was his professionalism and performances which have earned him the extension.
Steven Gerrard praises Rangers centre-back Katic
“I am delighted for him; first and foremost I think he deserves it, he is a player who comes in here on a daily basis and he tries to improve every day,” Gerrard told Rangers.co.uk. “He does everything to perfection really in terms of his preparation and I think that comes out in his performances.”
“He is certainly someone who will put his body on the line for this club and he has certainly earned the contract extension.
“He has got the utmost respect from my staff and myself. He is a player who we have done all we can to try and help grow and shape and we will continue to do that.”
Verdict
Given that there has been fan speculation over Katic and Gerrard’s relationship when the big centre-half has found himself left out at times this season, these glowing comments clear up talk of any rift. The manager clearly wants him to play a big role going forward.
Although there has been rotation, having played five of the eight Scottish Premiership matches so far, the 6ft 4″ colossus has partnered Connor Goldson more than either Filip Helander and George Edmundson.
As the Gers face a physical test at Tynecastle on Sunday, he can be expected to return to the playing XI as the centre-back most equipped to deal with Uche Ikpeazu.
