Rangers star Niko Katic played the full match for the Croatian U21s as they drew 3-3 with their England counterparts at the U21 European Championship.
The Croatians came from behind three times to rescue a draw in an enthralling match with the Auld Enemy.
But it still wasn’t enough for Niko Katic, who played in all three of Croatia’s group matches, with both Croatia and England dropping out of the competition.
France and Romania both progress from Croatia’s group C, with Spain (Group A) and Germany (Group B) joining them in the semi-finals.
The fact Katic played every minute of the country’s campaign bodes well for the towering 22-year-old’s stature in the Croatian game.
The big defender was released from Rangers duty early to prepare for the U21s tournament and there’s no doubt it would’ve been a good experience.
Croatia have tasted disappointment but Katic will now return to Ibrox with much headier ambitions in the near future.
The former Slaven Belupo player will be looking to push for a place in the World Cup Finalists’ full squad, for whom he has already earned a solitary cap.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
Katic made his international bow for Croatia in the country’s 2-1 friendly win against Mexico in 2017.
It’s unclear if Niko Katic will immediately join up with his Rangers teammates in Portugal or be given extra time off.
But if Katic can continue to leave an impression on the international stage he could develop into a real asset for the Ibrox club.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Rangers content each week direct to your mailbox
