Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has spoken out on the future of centre-back Nikola Katic. The Croatian has spent twelve months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury but he is now closing in on a return to full fitness.

Despite being available for selection, though, he has yet to feature in a matchday squad this season and Gerrard says he has held talks with the defender about a possible loan move so the player can get more game time:

“We’re having discussions with Niko now to find the best solution for him in the coming months. He needs to play football. I can’t guarantee him those games at the moment so we are trying to find the right solution for the boy in the short term.”

Gerrard emphasised that it isn’t the end of the road for Katic at Ibrox despite the fact that he doesn’t have a place for the centre-half in the first-team squad.

It is hoped that a suitable loan deal can be found before the transfer window closes, so he can prove his fitness and form. He could then return to the Light Blues sometime in the future to stake his claim once again for a starting spot.