He is a man on a mission and Niko Katic is on his way back to Ibrox to prove to his manager, Steven Gerrard, that he has what it takes to win back his place in the team.
With pre-season just around the corner, Katic confirmed in an interview given to tportal – a Croatian outlet, that he is ready to resume training.
When asked that as he is now heading back to Glasgow, was he ready to rejoin his team mates, the response was emphatic:
“That’s right, the injury has healed. There were some complications, I even went for three surgeries, but now everything is OK.”
Katic, 24, was quizzed on all matters Rangers and Scotland, given that the Croatian national side will line up at Hampden to face Scotland in the EURO2020 Group D decider, tomorrow evening.
Unfortunately for the popular defender, he will not be part of that group for obvious reasons, but his burning desire to play for the senior Croatia side remains.
That is his ultimate aim, although Katic did reveal that there has been no recent contact from the national team coach Zlatko Dalic:
“We’re not exactly in touch. Of course, like any footballer, the national team is my greatest wish but the injury disrupted the plans and the fight for that position, but I still have a long way to go.”
“Right now, the most important thing for me is that I am healthy and that I can prove myself again. And I believe that this call will come one day.”
Of more immediate concern is his club future and the situation at Ibrox.
Really Beautiful
With plenty of competition in central defence, it remains to be see if Katic will go out on loan to get much needed game time under his belt or if there will be space for him to be part of Gerrard’s plans straight away.
In the full interview, the hero of Parkhead in December 2019 paid tribute to the fans as well as highlighting his close relationship with compatriot, Borna Barisic and his form at Ibrox.
He also acknowledged the ‘really beautiful’ memories of Trophy Day, given that he was able to attend and be part of it.
The full story of Niko Katic at Rangers has not yet emerged – with an exemplary attitude complimenting his dedication and commitment, a lack of success at Ibrox won’t be for the want of effort.
That is not in question, but it does remain to be seen if Katic can unlock the ability and skillset required to be a permanent fixture in Gerrard’s Rangers defence.
The first step to answering that question is a return to full fitness over the weeks ahead.