Niko Katic today confirmed that he was returning to Ibrox but crucially the question has to be is he truly ready for taking that long-awaited first-team berth?

Rangers’ defence is a very uncertain area next campaign, with doubts about the futures of both signing saga man Connor Goldson and Filip Helander, while Leon Balogun’s fitness is in question. Lastly, Jack Simpson is an unknown quantity.

With Katic coming back, a lot more mature, surely it is finally time for the Croat to be a firm choice now for Steven Gerrard.

He’s one hell of a unit, he’s fit, he’s ready, his injury issues are finally behind him, and we know he has all the tools to be as good as any defender out there – his issue has always been psychological, and his patience and understanding of the game.

But older, wiser, and ready to put the shirt on permanently, Katic surely has consider this, his fourth season at Ibrox, to finally be his time.

If Steven Gerrard still isn’t picking the Croat more often than not, it really is time for him to move on.

Katic is loyal, a warrior, brave and quick as hell – but he’s not an idiot. He will not remain beyond this Christmas if he isn’t finally a main pick for Stevie.

It’s really down to the manager now.