KATIC MUST TAKE HIS TIME WITH INJURY SAYS MANAGER

Scott Wright - while defender George Edmundson moved to Derby on loan with centrebacks Connor Goldson and Filip Helander also in his way at Ibrox. Asked about Katic, pictured, Gerrard said: "I always like four, fit available centre-backs.

"The Katic situation is something we have to assess and analyse as we move forward. He's not going to be available this season which means he has missed a year's football so that could be one where we have to take our time in terms of getting him up to full speed.

"I am in regular contact with Niko but there are no guarantees that Niko is going to be available.

"It's an injury where you have to take your time and allow the injury to tell you when it is ready rather than pushing for a certain date.

"George has gone out to play. He’s had a frustrating year. Leon Balogun has played a certain amount of games and we have an option to explore (a new deal) in the coming weeks and months. We won't have six centre-halves next year, but in terms of which four we end up with, we’ll have to wait and see how we move along."

Meanwhile, Simpson says he is up for the challenge of breaking into a back four that has shipped just seven league goals this season.

The centre-back told the Rangers website: "It is obvious how big this club is - it's one of the most successful clubs in world football so I am delighted to be here.

"It is going to be a huge challenge to keep up with everything that has happened and to keep pushing myself to stay at the standards that are expected here. That is very important to me and I am excited to try and do that."