NIKOLA KATIC is confident he can play his part in Rangers’ title challenge next term as he looks to finish his first campaign at Ibrox on a positive footing.
The Croatian made an encouraging early impression for Steven Gerrard’s side following his move from Slaven Belupo last summer.
But recent months have been frustrating for Katic as he has found himself in and out of the side after Joe Worrall was pitched in to partner Connor Goldson.
Gerrard will end his first term as Gers boss with no silverware to show for his efforts and has warned his squad that they are playing for their places going forward as he looks to regroup over the summer.
Rangers will set their sights on the Premiership title once again next term and Katic is determined to prove his worth at Ibrox.
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.
“I believe in myself and I think I can be part of a Rangers team who will attack the title next season.
“I am here and 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.
“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 the 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 to show myself to the club and the fans in the best possible way.”
After returning to the team for the win over Motherwell a fortnight ago, Katic made the most of his chance to impress as he started against Hearts on Saturday.
The stopper produced a solid defensive showing against the Jambos and played his part at the other end as he converted Daniel Candeias’ cross to clinch the win just after the break.
Katic said: “The manager obviously trusts me when he picks me to play.
“As I said, I am always ready and waiting to play. I trust him and I think he probably trusts me. So I am always waiting, waiting for a chance and feel ready to grab it.
“Of course [it was difficult when I was out of the team], I am a player who wants to play in every game. When I see I am not picked and I arrive at the stadium and 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.”
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