Rangers defender Niko Katic’s loan move to Croatian side Hajduk Split has left fans fearing they may have seen the last of the defender at Ibrox – but one former Gers star thinks it can help Katic return to Scotland a far better player.
The defender has been in regular contact with Nikica Jelavic throughout his time at Rangers and the former striker is confident a season back in Croatian can help Katic become a key player under Steven Gerrard.
After a year on the sidelines after a serious knee injury, Katic is in dire need of regular football and Jelavic thinks joining Hagjuk Split will be “very good for his progress.”
Jelavic insists Katic has his eyes set on a return to Scotland next summer to fight for his Rangers place as the defender looks to get his career back on track after a year out.
“I’ve been texting Niko today to say welcome back,” Jelavic told the Daily Record.
“It’s a very good move for him. He hasn’t played much for a year and that’s a very long period.
“So he has made a good choice in coming back here.
“The Croatian league is a very good level and Hajduk Split is a big club in this country. It will be very good for his progress.
“Obviously he has to get his fitness back but this should get him the game time he needs.
“I haven’t spoken to him about what will happen next season but he’s still got a long deal in Scotland and Rangers are definitely one big step ahead of Hajduk Split.
“So if he can play a whole season in Croatia he can definitely go back to Rangers and be one of the key players.
“I know Niko’s passion, I know his quality for football.
He’s a fighter and Rangers need that kind of a player.
“From talking to him, I know he likes the club very much so I think he’d love to go back.”
With the Croatian side having an option to make Katic’s loan permanent in the summer, it seems unlikely that the defender will return to Rangers long-term.
Despite Steven Gerrard’s claims last week that Katic still has a future at Ibrox, the reality is, he’s fifth choice (at best) and his chances of regular football for Rangers seem very, very slim.
While Rangers stand to potentially make a profit on Katic if Hajduk take up their option, there’s a real feeling of what might have been when it comes to Katic’s spell in Scotland.
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