GERS WIN THE RACE FOR JAKE
Well kid Hastie to sign deal this week
RANGERS have won the race to sign Motherwell starlet Jake Hastie who will seal the deal on his summer switch to Ibrox this week.
Record Sport understands that the attacking midfielder, left, is set to put pen to paper on a pre-contract agreement to join Steven Gerrard’s
NIKOLA KATIC believes he can play a key role in a strong Rangers attack on next term’s title.
The Croatian defender insists he’s savouring every second of the pressurised environment, having moved to Ibrox at the beginning of the season.
Katic looks unlikely to get his hands on any winners medals this campaign.
But he feels that can change in 2019-20 as manager Steven Gerrard sets about strengthening the squad again.
Gerrard is poised to add quality to his ranks with backing from the board and the 22-year-old defender doesn’t want to be one of those sidelined in the reshuffle.
Katic is desperate to stay part of the set-up and revealed he’s had to bulk up to avoid any more dark days on the sidelines.
He said: “I believe in myself and I think I can be part of a Rangers team who will attack the title next season. I will give 100 per cent in every training session and every game, so I will keep doing that and wait for the manager to decide what he wants.
“But I am really pleased to be playing for Rangers. It is a massive club and of course I want to stay here.”
Katic, who has regained his status as a first-choice pick, was an instant hit at Ibrox as the Gerrard revolution got under way 10 months ago.
But as his first term at the club comes to a close, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. Signed from Slaven Belupo, the youngster’s bright start began to dim when he lost his place mid-season to Nottingham Forest loanee Joe Worrall.
After talks with his manager, Katic realised what needed to be done to make the grade and he didn’t shirk the responsibility.
The stopper toughened himself up for the rigours of the Premiership and his hard work is now paying dividends.
Keeping the powerful Uche Ikpeazu in check against Hearts at the weekend, the Croat also ventured forward to hit the clinching goal in a 3-1 win, a third-straight top-flight win at the expense of the under-par home side at Tynecastle.
Katic said: “When I arrived here I didn’t expect the tempo of the game. It is really high in Scotland. I think I have improved very much with the ball and can now play in much cleverer way than I could when I arrived.
“But I have had to become stronger too. When you compete against strikers like Uche Ikpeazu or Sam Cosgrove then you need to improve.
“Uche is so strong and really tough to play against. But myself and Connor Goldson did a good job. He got maybe one or two
I think I’ve improved with the ball and can now play in cleverer way than I could when I arrived NIKOLA KATIC
situations in the game but nothing much so we are happy.
“It was a good result from a really difficult game against a good and physical team. They have a good striker but we were happy with the result.”
Katic admits he has endured some frustrating times. Driving towards Ibrox on the days he was not involved, seeing the place filling up with 50,000 fans and knowing he was not going to get an opportunity to play for them was tough to take.
But those disappointing times will ensure he won’t slack off for a single second now he’s back in the fold.
Katic impressed in Gorgie and capped his performance by scoring after a short-corner routine saw Daniel Candeias’ inviting ball give him something to attack at the far post.
The defender now wants to attack more than just crossed balls. He’s ready to tackle all the demands that come with being a Rangers player and believes he has the mentality to cope .
Katic said: “I’m actually a player who likes pressure. That’s how I function. I need to always feel the pressure to be 100 per cent in the sessions and games.
“I live football 24 hours per day so I am always waiting for my chance to play and waiting for the games.
“It is always better to play in front of 50,000 than in an empty stadium. The fans give you so much support.
“In my case I think they love me and are happy with me. So I need to keep training hard and show myself to the club and fans in the best possible way.
“The manager obviously trusts me when he picks me to play.
“I am always ready and waiting to play. I trust him and I think he probably trusts me.
“So I am always waiting for a chance and feel ready to grab it.
“I am a player who wants to play in every game.
“When I see I am not picked and I arrive at the stadium to see all the fans and the other players preparing then it must be hard mentally.
“But I feel I am really strong in my head. And I am patient.
“I was working very hard and waiting for a chance all the time.
“Of course 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 of the team but I will keep those conversations to myself.” Katic has clearly put the words of his gaffer to good use and is now seeking a strong finish to the season. But thoughts are also drifting towards the next campaign as Rangers look to land a major trophy.
He said: “Every game is important because we have maybe 25 players of the same quality and every one is capable of playing in the team.
“In every training session and every game, whenever you get a chance you need to be on a perfect level to keep your shirt.”