Rangers defender Niko Katic has no interest to leave Ibrox on loan this season in search of regular football and is “fully focused” on forcing his way into Steven Gerrard’s starting XI, according to a report.
The Rangers star has been linked with a temporary exit as he continues his return from a serious knee injury which has sidelined him since last summer but, according to Glasgow Live, Katic wants to fight for his place at Ibrox.
The defender missed the entirety of the Gers’ title-winning season but he clearly put the hours in the gym to bulk up his physique during his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury and several subsequent surgeries.
Loan move for Rangers star makes a lot of sense given competition for places
Serie A side Spezia are one of the clubs named as a potential destination for Katic if he was to go out on loan, and with a host of central defenders at Ibrox, it would make a lot of sense for him.
After missing an entire year of football through injury, Katic needs regular games this season to push on and continue his development – but the reality is he’s unlikely to play much for Rangers this season.
The Croatian’s injury forced the signing of Leon Balogun and the Nigerian international is ahead of Katic in the pecking order for a starting place now.
Connor Goldson is a surefire starter and Fil Helander is the most likely option to start alongside him, while there are still places to be found for George Edmundson and Jack Simpson.
While Katic will no doubt want to stay and fight for a place in the side when Champions League football comes around, sitting on the bench for most of the next 12 months won’t do his long-term Rangers career any good.
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