Out of sight, but definitely not out of mind.
That is the situation for Rangers central defender Niko Katic, who has unfortunately missed the whole of this season, due to a nasty knee injury.
Recovering in his native Croatia, the popular player thrilled Rangers supporters earlier today with a snap on his Instagram account – having met up with another popular player to have put Celtic to the sword, Nikica Jelavic.
Big Niko and another fond figure in Jelavic. Two of the people.
🔴⚪🔵 pic.twitter.com/BZnWKaElGE
— Vital Rangers (@vitalrangers) March 26, 2021
‘We are the people’ was the message to accompany the image, courtesy of Katic’s instagram account – @nikolakatic2
There is no doubting the attitude and determination of the 24-year old, but there will be questions of his fitness and ability to get back into Steven Gerrard’s first team plans.
Next season could see Katic go on loan for essential game time – possibly to another Premiership club, to the Championship in England or perhaps even to remain in Croatia at the likes of Dinamo Zagreb where he would also compete to play in Europe.
That remains to be seen.
For now, the best wishes of all at Rangers including the fans are with Katic as he continues his rehab journey.
From meeting Jelavic, the compatriots have their Old Firm winning goals in common and plenty more things to talk about.
The towering defender will have sorely missed the title celebrations in Glasgow but time is still on his side for more of the same if he can cement his Ibrox future.