McLeish – Rangers have found ‘great solution’ for Katic after injury ‘crisis’
Alex McLeish has raved after Rangers sealed a loan move for Nikola Katic after his injury “crisis” last season.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Croatian would be “very comfortable” back in his homeland.
Rangers announced Katic had completed a season-long loan move to Hadjuk Split on deadline day (August 31), with the Ibrox club inserting a recall clause into the deal.
The clause, if triggered, means the Croatia international could return to Scotland in January.
Katic enjoyed three seasons in the Croatian top flight before agreeing a move from Slaven Belupo to Rangers in 2018.
He was sidelined for the entirety of the 2020/21 with an cruciate ligament injury.
McLeish insisted a return to his homeland is a “great solution” for the centre-back.
“It’s very comfortable for him to go home to an environment that he knows,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“It’s great for his rehabilitation.
“He’s been out so long after being full of promise when he first came.
“They’ve found a great solution. That’s what you have to do, look for a positive solution in moments of crisis – and Rangers have done that.
“Katic will feel that he can come back to Rangers and show that he’s a top player.”
The one-cap Croatia international has scored six goals in 59 appearances for the Ibrox side.
Katic scored an iconic Old Firm winner against Celtic in December 2019.
Rangers also have Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun, Jack Simpson and Filip Helander as centre-back options.
In other news, Alan Hutton has insisted Rangers have a star in the making in young goalkeeper Robby McCrorie.