OPINION
Nikola Katic is surely set for the axe in Rangers’ Europa League clash against Spartak Moscow on Thursday evening after Steven Gerrard’s team news vow today (Wednesday).
The strapping centre-back (Transfermarkt state he is 6ft 4in) has been a mainstay of the starting line-up this season, racking up 17 appearances in all competitions.
No bad for a summer arrival before October is out and the leaves have all fallen from the trees.
Yet, Gerrard explained he intends to pick his strongest possible XI for the glamour showdown against Russian big hitters Spartak at what will no doubt be a rocking Ibrox.
Speaking today, the manager explained he will put Sunday’s Scottish League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen to one side and concentrate on maintaining the Gers’ outstanding European campaign.
??SG: I will pick my best team for Thursday night before I worry about Sunday.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) October 24, 2018
That does not bode well for Katic, who was so below par in last Sunday’s 4-1 win against Hamilton.
The giant Croatian was hauled off with 11 minutes remaining with the score at 1-1 and replaced by Joe Worrall, who has emerged as the preferred partner for main man Connor Goldson in recent weeks.
Katic’s confidence appears to have been dented by the competition from Worrall, who is starting to look a real class act at the back.
Gerrard is in the strong position of some fine centre-backs to choose from but is almost certain to go with the Nottingham Forest loanee, given how reassuring he has looked in recent times.
That is set to mean a demotion for Katic and a chance to lick his wounds.