Nikola Katic is set to return to the return to the Rangers starting XI for this evening’s crunch Europa League clash against Young Boys at Ibrox.
The 23-year-old has been out of the side for some time, following the rise in prominence of Filip Helander, with his last start coming in mid-October in the 1-1 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle.
Yet, with the Swede ruled out of this one due to a foot injury [Rangers.co.uk], it’s time for the Croatian colossus to step up.
With just a point needed to secure progress to the knockout stages, above all, Rangers need solidity this evening.
That’s something that the Goldson-Helander partnership has provided in the first two home games in Europa League Group G. The Gers are yet to concede at Ibrox despite tough earlier assignments against Porto and Feyenoord.
Young Boys are a less prestigious opponent, but, unlike the others, are currently top of their domestic league.
The only side to beat the Gers in Europe this season, they possess firepower and will look to get on the offensive, as a win is the only result that would guarantee their own progression to the next phase.
It could be a tense atmosphere at Ibrox following the disappointment of the League Cup final.
Plenty of supporters aren’t yet convinced about the Goldson-Helander partnership, and this is a golden opportunity for Katic to take to stake a claim going forward.
We know he has the physical presence, but tonight, he’ll need to show composure and maturity in his first European outing since the play-off qualifying round against Legia Warsaw in August.
