Rangers defender Nikola Katic could be involved in Old Firm clash.
After a terrific start to the season, Rangers boss Steven Gerrard made the surprise decision to drop Nikola Katic to the bench.
Katic has fallen to fourth choice at Rangers, but this weekend against Celtic he could have a prominent role to play.
On Boxing Day against Hibernian he found himself rushed into emergency action.
Katic was up to third choice, with Gareth McAuley injured, and then when Connor Goldson picked up a mid-game injury, the Croatian came off the bench.
The Scottish Sun report Goldson is a ‘major doubt’ to face Celtic at the weekend.
Steven Gerrard is urging his injured stars to try to play through the pain for the Old Firm game, and Goldson will be subject to late fitness tests.
If he is not deemed ready then it appears Katic will be in line to partner Joe Worrall in defence, with McAuley also struggling.
Even if Goldson does start, there is a chance the former Brighton defender will not make it through the 90 minutes, and Katic could come off the bench again.
Another option would be for Gerrard to relieve the pressure on Goldson by shifting to play three at the back.
This is a game for Katic to prove himself and show that he has been wrongfully overlooked. If he helps shut Celtic out, then Gerrard won’t be able to ignore him.
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