Nikola Katic has confirmed that he is fit again in a big injury boost for Rangers a month out from their crucial Champions League qualifiers [Rangers.co.uk].
Katic missed the entirety of last season with a serious knee injury, spending much of the campaign in Croatia recovering from surgeries and doing rehab work.
He continued the hard graft during his summer break and fans were delighted to see him snapped back at Auchenhowie on the first day of pre-season.
Now, ahead of the first pre-season fixture against Partick Thistle, the fan favourite has confirmed that he is fit and ready to contribute for the Light Blues once again.
“I’m desperate, honestly,” he said [Rangers.co.uk]. “I lost so much with my injury, I am desperate to play and so excited.”
“I’m giving 24 hours a day to be as ready to help the team and prove to the manager and fans how ready I am.
“It’s been such a long time out of the team and struggling with a tough injury but I am happy that’s behind me and I’m ready to go with the team again.”
Right now, it’s unsure exactly when Katic will make his return to action.
The Thistle match is likely to come too soon, given that Steven Gerrard has already hinted that he won’t take any undue risks with players who have been injured [RangersTV].
However, it does seem likely that the 24-year-old will turn out later in pre-season to get minutes under his belt before the serious stuff starts.
Premiership fixtures and Champions League qualifying ties will come thick and fast in August and the more quality options the manager has at his disposal the better.
Ahead of the opening pre-season fixture against Partick Thistle, we’ve put together a Predicted XI.