Redwhiteandblue 3,330 Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 5 hours ago, DBBTB said: He’ll play in the Premier League. Not before he plays in the champions league for us 🙂 A little bit worrying that Gerard said basically the same about Ross McCrorie, but this is obviously a different situation. He should've been first choice before that daddy last season. Also, its Golddon who medds to watch his place. Katic is our best centre back. Maybe Helendar is better than Goldson.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
manx-bear 25 Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 It’s refreshing that a player likes it here and doesn’t see us or our league as a stepping stone. But we all know he’s got the capabilities off playing the top five leagues and a big offer will come in which we most certainly have to take. I’d like to be wrong. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amato 3,016 Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 Better article in the Evening Times. Some good words from the big man. NIKO Katic is fast becoming a folk hero. When the 22-year-old walked off the park against Legia Warsaw on Thursday night, he had earned the adulation of the supporters, the recognition of his manager and the appreciation of his team-mates. He may soon earn a bumper new contract too. “They were just happy because they thought I play good,” said Katic. “I also thought I played good. But the team played really well. "It feels great when I hear the manager say I'm a mountain,” he added. “But I have to stay strong and keep my feet on the floor. Because I had such good performances like that last year – followed by some bad ones. “I feel I have bond with the fans. They helped us on Thursday night, it was incredible. In the last five minutes when we scored – I don't know how to describe it. Maybe only the Celtichome game last season or the Rapid Vienna game at Ibrox had the same atmosphere.” They like a good centre half down Ibrox way and after a rollercoaster first season at the club, Rangers are starting to realise they might have something pretty special in the hulking form of this £2m signing from Slaven Belupo. He can still improve his usage of the ball, but Katic must be doing something right, considering he is keeping summer signings Filip Helander and George Edmondson out. That pair were recruited at a combined price of £4m this summer but when you have played a key role in a partnership which has recorded four clean sheets in a row then you keep your place for the Old Firm match. Speaking to this fierce Bosnian-born player at Auchenhowie in Friday, you certainly wouldn’t want to be the man who informs him that he isn’t getting the start. “I feel I've taken my game on to another level this season, definitely,” said Katic. “I thrive on the pressure of having Filip and George here. They're amazing players, and you know everything about Connor. So we have really good competition in that area. “But I'll do everything to keep this shirt because I'm fighting for myself and my family. I respect all of them but I'll do everything to stay in this team.” It is understandable if Katic doesn’t want to get too far ahead of himself. After all, he fell out of favour completely for a month or so last season, perhaps affected by what Gerrard calls a “family issue”. What is undeniable is that the 6ft4in Croat seems sow settled in Glasgow right now that he would sign a lifetime contract if he was offered one. “I really enjoy it here,” said Katic. “If I have to stay here my whole life, then why not? Every game you play in front of 50,000, you play European games and you have a manager like Steven Gerrard and some top team-mates.” Having played in the early-season defeat at celtic Park, then surrendered his place to Joe Worrall for the next two, Katic at least was able to taste playing his part in an Old Firm victory in the 2-0 Ibrox win in April. Part of pretty much a perfect team display on the day, it was quite a moment for him. He has a handy beginners’ guide to thriving in the heat of the Glasgow grudge match which he will willingly pass on to new boys like Joe Aribo, Sheyi Ojo or Jordan Jones. “Every tackle, every challenge, every ball, you have to be 100% focused because you play some amazing opponents and if you switch off for one moment you can lose the game,” he said. “You have to be focused for the full 90 minutes. “The fans will be a big factor on Sunday because we have all the fans supporting us,” he added. “Despite everything from UEFA, they helped us so much against a tough opponent in Legia. When you play at celtic Park you have 60,000 on your neck – everyone hates you so it's difficult to play. It should be the same for them when they arrive at Ibrox. “Thursday was the ideal preparation for Sunday. Our confidence is high after these recent games. We've had four clean sheets in a row now so I think we're ready for celtic. We proved last year we can play aginst them and if you ask me now I think we're a much better team than last season." There are no frills about the way Katic plays, but he is an old school defender who enjoys clearing his lines. "I was homesick sometimes last season but this is my job.And I love my work. Some people do a job they don’t like but I like my job. I knew a chance would come and I had to be ready for that. When the next games came I think I took it. “I believe in myself and I think the manager also believes in me too. He just said ‘do your job, do what you do best and you will be a great players for us’. There are a few players who aren’t here from last year but I stayed. I read something from his last interview where one of you asked him if he had a Rangers mentality and he said ‘definitely’. That was great to read. "The experiences of Thursday night and last season will help him become a better player," said Gerrard. "We want him around for a long time. He is one we are looking to try and extend and stay beyond the contract he is on now." IpswichGer 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperPapac05 3,383 Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 We could easily get 20 million for the big man if he keeps up his form for the rest of this season and next. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
middli 1,579 Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 "But I'll do everything to keep this shirt because I'm fighting for myself and my family. I respect all of them but I'll do everything to stay in this team" What a great attitude. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finny 5,564 Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 Love the big man. Absolute warrior. He's my weekly bet to score in 90 minutes. So good in the air and will wipe out everything. Including poor borna!!!! Amato 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mclean RFC 1,277 Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 Some players you just know will be a great player and this forum.has been saying it a long time now. This season he looks fitter and stronger. A real solid frame for a young player. Should it not be mandatory for all centre backs at Rangers to sit down with the legend gough. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ready1873 3,887 Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 The big man is a lion. Total warrior and if happily have him here for years. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueSuedeSambas 53,959 Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 3 hours ago, Redwhiteandblue said: Not before he plays in the champions league for us 🙂 A little bit worrying that Gerard said basically the same about Ross McCrorie, but this is obviously a different situation. He should've been first choice before that daddy last season. Also, its Golddon who medds to watch his place. Katic is our best centre back. Maybe Helendar is better than Goldson.... Goldson’s place isn’t under threat. He’s one of Gerrard’s favourites and pretty much a guaranteed starter if he’s fit IMO. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElBufalo20 7,916 Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 We love Katic everebody loves Niko Katic oohhh running just as fast as we can ..... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwhiteandblue 3,330 Posted September 1, 2019 Share Posted September 1, 2019 6 minutes ago, DBBTB said: Goldson’s place isn’t under threat. He’s one of Gerrard’s favourites and pretty much a guaranteed starter if he’s fit IMO. I agree, but I prefer Katic over him. Always have since the first game has played for us. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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