Rangers star wants to follow Ibrox teammate into international fold

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Rangers defender Niko Katic is nearing a return to action after a year on the sidelines with a serious knee injury – but hopes he can follow Ibrox teammate Borna Barisic into the Croatian national team now he’s fit again.

Katic could make his return tomorrow night when the Light Blues make the short trip to Maryhill to face Partick Thistle – minus Barisic after his involvement at Euro 2020 – and Katic is using that as motivation to add to the solitary cap he has won for his country.

“Borna is an example that playing for Rangers can make you play for the national team, it doesn’t matter how big the competition is,” Katic told Rangers TV.

“Rangers is getting better every year and I expect them to be in the top side in the coming years.”

Katic has “really good connection” with former Rangers hero

Katic has regularly shared images on social media with former Rangers star Nikica Jelavic, and the Croatian told how his compatriot feels the Gers were the “best club he ever played with” and is always full of praise for the Ibrox fans.

After an impressive but brief spell in Glasgow, Jelavic has tried to guide Katic in how to handle the Glasgow goldfish bowl, with the defender admitting he has a “really good connection” with the Croatian legend, adding: “Nikica is a really good friend of mine. Every time I go to Zagreb I see him there. He always praises Rangers.

“He said it was the best club he played with ever and we all know he played with good clubs in his career, always praises the fans and he said he really enjoyed his time here when they won the league.

“He always tried to give me some advice on how to act here and how to play so we have a really good connection.”

As he nears his return to playing, Katic’s place in the Rangers side is far from assured with Connor Goldson, Fil Helander, Leon Balogun, Jack Simpson and George Edmundson all competing for places in the centre of defence.

A loan move might end up being the best option for Katic after so long out injured but the Croatian should still have a long-term future at Rangers.

Fans will be delighted to see him back after he became a big favourite of the Rangers support – and after a year out, he’ll be desperate to make up for lost time.