They’ve been earning rave reviews, but are Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic ready for Celtic on Sunday?
Nobody can deny the duo’s influence in this new-look Steven Gerrard side. Since signing in the summer, the pair have managed to keep six clean sheets as a partnership.
The most recent display between the pair was the 1-1 draw in Russia against FC Ufa. That result was enough to see Rangers earn a place in the Europa League group stages. Added to that, they did so with nine men.
Feather in the cap
This meant that the new defensive partnership had to defend for their lives for much of the contest. It was another feather in the cap for a pair of centre-backs who are carving out a real reputation for dogged defending.
But this Sunday they’ll come up against their most difficult ask yet. The question is, are they ready for it?
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Goldson and Katic have performed against most opposition so far. Yet none of the previous fixtures will prepare them for the hotbed of an Old Firm clash, particularly at Celtic Park. The Rangers side are going to walk out to a sold-out Parkhead with nearly 60,000 roaring against them.
Nothing has fazed this dynamic duo as of yet, and Gers fans will be hoping they don’t freeze in the Old Firm spotlight.
It remains to be seen who they are indeed up against directly. Celtic’s Moussa Dembele is in discussions with Lyon, and it remains to be seen if that move goes ahead.
Goldson/Katic vs Griffiths or Edouard?
It could be Leigh Griffiths or Odsonne Edouard that Katic and Goldson have to keep tabs on. Either/or will be the biggest challenge they have come up against.
The likes of Russell Martin, Bruno Alves, and Fabio Cardoso all flopped in this fixture. It was a stage too high for some of Rangers’ previous defenders, with too high a tempo for them.
You get the feeling this won’t be the case with Goldson and Katic. However, the former won’t get away with some of the recent errors he’s made.
100% focus is required if this new partnership is to put Celtic to the sword. Succeeding in doing so, and Rangers will walk away with a priceless result.