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WANTS TO STOP GOALS NOT SCORE THEM
play at that level.” Katic is already being tipped to become the biggest Croatian talent to come out of Split since Madrid playmaker Modric, according to one of his former bosses.
The manager of Neretvanac – Katic’s first club – Damir Vucic said: “Nikola came to our club as a 17-year-old and he almost immediately got a chance in our first team.
“It was clear even then he would be a good player. To play with men at that age was not a problem for him. He was determined and showed no fear. No situation would panic him. He was assured on the ball and was mentally strong.
“We were in the Third Division and Nikola had already had an offer from Hadjuk Split to play with their B team after a trial but he rejected it.
“Remember, Hadjuk have made such a massive mistake before – they told Luka Modric he wasn’t good enough to play for them when they rejected NIKOLA KATIC him after a trial. Perhaps they have made just as big a mistake this time.”
Hadjuk Split manager, Zeljko Kopic, who signed Katic for Slaven Belupo before moving on to become Hadjuk boss, believes the kid isn’t even close to reaching his potential.
He said: “He is still learning and although he’s had a stand-out season he will get much better. He is outstanding in the tackle, strong and a physical presence in the air.
“Nikola is a player of inexhaustible energy, he always has a positive attitude. He has a strong character.
“He’s a central defender but he’s so comfortable on the ball he could easily be pushed forward to be a defensive midfielder. “Perhaps that’s for the future. There’s room for improvement but he has huge potential.” Belupo general manager Zvonimir Simunovic said: “I’m sorry to lose such a quality player and individual as Nikola but proud he’s made the transfer to a big club. “He’s going to be very popular in Scotland.” GORDON PARKS ANSWERS YOUR CALLS RANGERS have led the way on the summer transfer speculation stakes but Steven Gerrard’s signing targets are raising eyebrows.
Some callers are already predicting the Englishman’s time at Ibrox will end in tears.
said: “Rangers can sign all the big names they want. The problems come when they’ve to be paid their wages. The season-ticket money won’t last long and when that has gone they’ve got some amount of pies to sell in order to pay the high earners.”
said: “I’m a Celtic fan who believes Scottish football needs a strong Rangers and I’m concerned they are back to the days of spending money they don’t have.
“They need to forget about stopping 10 in a row and just focus on next season. I hope Gerrard does well but I believe ordinary Rangers fans know they don’t have any money and loan players is the way to go if it makes the league more competitive.”
said: “Where are Rangers getting the money to sign players? Gerrard has been duped and I give him a few months before the cracks start to appear and he realises the cash has run out. He’ll be back at Anfield by Christmas.”
emailed: caller John Allardyce has a nerve claiming Brendan Rodgers doesn’t want to move as he doesn’t want a challenge. I couldn’t believe the claptrap I was reading, this from a fan of a club who have had eight managers in their six-year history. He should focus on his own team.”
said: “I don’t get the logic from some people that Rodgers was a failure at Liverpool. He nearly won the Premier League and if wasn’t for a slip from the new manager of Rangers he would have.”
Liam Maley, Glasgow, said: “Tom Boyd is spot on. Celtic’s allocation was cut as Ibrox is now the top party zone for Hoops fans. Rangers can’t stomach further humiliation and that’s the only reason their fans petitioned to ban our support, it’s got nothing to do with accommodating season-ticket holders.
“Rangers are running scared of Celtic and Gerrard’s name isn’t even dry on the office door. Small club mentality is alive and well.”
said: “I hope Stuart Armstrong stays at Celtic as we need all of our best players to have a decent crack at the Champions League and he is in that category.
“We will need at least 15 quality first-team players to get through the qualifiers and hopefully we can bring in John McGinn from Hibs.”
said: “It’s the same old story at Easter Road, boasts of the biggest ever budget yet no signings and in stark contrast to what’s happening at Tynecastle. We shipped nine goals in our last two home games yet still no movement. It’s always the same with Rod Petrie.”
Finally, emailed: “World Cup fever is now upon us so as a nation let’s get right behind England. Get the St George flags flying out your windows. Remember, we voted to stay a union so let’s get behind the England national team.
“Come on, England!” CALL THE HOTLINE TODAY FROM 11 TILL 12 NOON on: 0141 309 3306 or email us: hotline@dailyrecord.co.uk