When Nikola Katic first joined Rangers, hardly any of us knew the towering 6ft4 centre half’s name.
By the end of August, he was verging on a cult hero. Still only 22, Katic formed a solid partnership with Connor Goldson which guided us to the Europa League.
In that honeymoon period, we saw the best of the defender. He was physical and commanding. He was a smart tackler. And he hardly missed a header.
But with rumours of Katic feeling homesick from club insider Four Lads had a Dream, the defender has fell by the wayside somewhat. Some on online forums have also claimed that his father is ill.
It’s a hell of a lot for a young man to go through.
Moving to Rangers a huge step for Katic
Plucked from relative obscurity and tossed into one of Europe’s biggest clubs, Nikola Katic probably rarely walks down the street without being noticed.
Scotland also presents a whole new set of personal and cultural challenges. It’s a big jump for a Croatian and one he should be proud of himself for taking.
We can only hope his father is ok and if he isn’t, we’re very sorry to hear about it.
But there’s a real player there. He’s already had one cap for the Croatian National Team, which shows how highly he is thought of by the World Cup Finalists.
If we can be patient with him and provide Nikola with the support he needs we could have a real talent on our hands.
If not, he could be the second of Gerrard’s signings to leave the club after failing to settle.
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