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Rangers defender Nikola Katic may rue withdrawing from the Croatia U21 squad, with Joe Worrall currently ahead of him in the pecking order at Ibrox.
Unfortunately the player had to leave the international setup due to an ‘unspecified problem’, .
It might have been a great opportunity for Katic to remind Steven Gerrard of his ability.
Katic has fallen out of favour in recent weeks, with loan star Worrall coming in to partner Conor Goldson against Livingston, Rapid Vienna and Hearts.
Katic hasn’t appeared for the first-team since the Betfred Cup clash with Ayr United on September 26.
It is a somewhat surprising development, given how well Katic started for Rangers.
He formed a solid partnership with Goldson. He also played a big part in the Scottish giants’ return to a European competition for the first time in eight years.
A missed opportunity
An ‘unspecified problem’ obviously points towards an injury.
If it is an injury recurrence, then that’ll be a frustration for Katic.
The youngster must be disappointed to lose his place after such a bright start.
The upcoming games against Greece and San Marino would have been ideal for the defender to get some game time.
Worrall wouldn’t have had the chance to play over the international break. Katic could have stolen a march on his teammate and forced his way back into Gerrard’s thinking.
He will now just have to bide his time, and try to capitalise when eventually handed another chance.