OPINION
It was a bit of a mystery this season why Rangers defender Nikola Katic wasn’t regularly featuring yet it seems Steven Gerrard always knew what he was doing with the 22-year-old.
The Gers centre-back has now played in his side’s last two league games and has opened up about the frustration of not playing more this season.
“I feel I’m really strong in my head and patient. When I wasn’t being picked, I was working very hard and waiting for a chance,” said Katic, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
“I want to keep my shirt all the time now. I want to play every game in the season if I can.
“I talked with the manager a few times when I was out the team, but I’ll keep those conversations between us.
“I have belief in myself and I think I can be part of a Rangers team who will attack the title next season.
“I’m here to give 100 per cent in every training session and every game.”
Based on Katic’s remarks Gerrard showed him tough love by constantly leaving him out his team despite the player clearly pleading his case constantly, and this will only improve him.
The 22-year-old’s remarks show how he now is extra-determined to prove himself at Ibrox and is going to give 100% in training as well as in the matches to prove he deserves to wear the shirt.
This sort of passion will only make Katic a better player as if he means what he says, then Gerrard has got him fired up and chomping at the bit by the way he has managed him.
When you consider that the centre-back has shown glimpses of his talent this season, and looks to be a very promising player, then surely the Gers are going to reap the benefits from Gerrard’s tough love.
If Katic is already this good now, imagine what a fired-up version who wants nothing more to be a guaranteed starter will look like next season.