The Rangers manager is pleased with the progress of the Ibrox defender.
Gerrard was speaking as the Gers announced that the Croatian has extended his contract at the club by a further year, reward for for a very good first 15 months at the club.
Katic signed during the 2018 summer transfer window and has emerged as one of the prime picks in Gerrard’s first-team, competing for defensive places alongside Connor Goldson, Filip Helander and George Edmundson.
The Ibrox manager believes he deserves the new deal, primarily because of the effort he puts into training.
As quoted by rangers.co.uk, Gerrard said: “I am delighted for him; first and foremost I think he deserves it, he is a player who comes in here on a daily basis and he tries to improve every day.
“He does everything to perfection really in terms of his preparation and I think that comes out in his performances.
“He is certainly someone who will put his body on the line for this club and he has certainly earned the contract extension.”
What next for Katic?
There was a point last season when Katic could not find his way into the team at the expense of Goldson and Joe Worrall. However, it certainly sounds like Gerrard is growing more and more fond of the Croatian.
Fans too have really taken to the player. He’s one of the most popular players at Ibrox right now.
The Gers have conceded just five Scottish Premiership goals this season and the 23-year-old has played his part.
That’s not to say he is the finished product, far from it. Despite his progress, he is not a guaranteed starter still, with Gerrard often rotating his central defensive options. In the big matches though, Katic is getting the nod on a more frequent basis.
If he can maintain his preparation performance and continue to make a positive impact on Rangers’ defensive form then he’ll have no problem keeping his place in the team.
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