Stevie G ‘announces’ he feels differently about two Gers
Livingston v Rangers - Scottish Premiership - Tony Macaroni Arena Rangers manager Steven Gerrard at the end of the match, after the Scottish Premiership match at the Tony Macaroni Arena, Livingston. Picture date: Wednesday May 12, 2021. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJanexBarlowx 59730488
We were very interested in the contrast between manager Steven Gerrard’s quotes with regards two returning players.
On one hand he was eager to get long-term absentee Ryan Jack back into action as soon as possible, but on the other he stressed patience with Niko Katic and the Croat wouldn’t be returning as a regular.
“It’s a special day for Niko. He’s worked extremely hard over the course of a year, but it is still very early, people can’t expect to see him regularly yet. We need to phase him in and be patient. Niko thinks he’s ready now but we have to respect the injury. That 45 minutes will do him the world of good.”
And for Jack:
“He’s good, he’s progressing well. He sees a surgeon in the middle of next week and hopefully he gets the green light to resume full training. He’s training with the boys right now but it’s all unopposed which is obviously all very different. If we get the green light from the surgeon on Wednesday, Ryan is good to go full throttle with the group – then it’s a case of getting minutes in his legs. He’s weeks away but he is a big player for us that is not too far away which is exciting for me.”
We have to admit, there’s definitely different approaches here, and they reflect the careers both men have had at Ibrox.
Ryan Jack has been, when fit, a more or less ever-present and he’s been one of the most improved performers under Gerrard.
Niko Katic has been dropped repeatedly despite some excellent form and has never formed a real run of games under Gerrard.
And now that both are returning from long term injuries that favour towards Jack and caution over the Croat continues.
Is it fair? Perhaps not – Katic has been outstanding at times and has the tools to be a really top defender. But this manager has never trusted him to deliver consistently. And once again we see Stevie using another reason for fans not to expect a consistent Niko Katic in the Rangers XI.
Favouritism? We know Stevie has his favourites, and we can’t argue with them given 55, but Jacko is definitely one and Katic definitely isn’t.
It’s up to the Croat to play so well this manager simply cannot drop him again.
Niko, the floor is yours.