IT is the moment that Nikola Katic has watched time after time after time and the goal and the game that will forever live on in his memory.
But the Croatian knows he and his Rangers team-mates must put their Old Firm heroics behind them when they return to Premiership duty at Ibrox this evening.
Katic further cemented his place in the hearts of the Light Blue legions when he netted the winner at Parkhead before the international break.
His towering header clinched a deserved victory for Steven Gerrard’s side and sparked wild celebrations that his brother, Antonijo, was caught up in amongst the 800 away crowd.
It was the perfect end to the first half of the campaign for Rangers and for Katic but, after returning to action with a comfortable cup win over Stranraer on Friday night, all attentions are now fixed on St Mirren.
The Gers are just two points adrift of Celtic, having played a game fewer, in the title race and Katic is determined to build on the best afternoon of his career.
He said: “My brother had an amazing time at the game. As soon as I scored he somehow ended up on the floor.
“People were jumping all over his back. We are quite similar to look at so I think the fans knew he was my brother.
“It was a special moment for him and for me also. Outside the game, people were taking pictures of him, maybe thinking it was me.
“I have watched the goal a million times I think. It was the highlight of my career so far. The atmosphere at Ibrox at the start of the season was incredible but when you go to Celtic Park and shut up 55,000 it’s something special.
“It was an amazing day and for me something I will always remember. But as a team we now need to move on.”
There were times in recent months where the chances of Katic being the Old Firm hero appeared slim. Despite starting the season in fine form, he would lose his place to Filip Helander and spend several weeks out of the side.
The injury the Swede picked up in the Betfred Cup final has given Katic his chance, though, and the 23-year-old has certainly made the most of it.
Katic is still raw and can still be rash but he undoubtedly has the attributes and potential to go on and make a name for himself in the game.
His physical approach and desire makes him a real presence at both ends of the park and the Parkhead winner was a culmination of the hours he puts in on a daily basis.
Katic said: “It showed me what can happen when you work hard and never give up. There are times when I know I am going to have to be patient.
“But if you work hard and take your chance then something like this can happen.
“I was happy to score, maybe as a centre half you should be scoring seven or eight times a season from set plays.
“We worked really hard on our set pieces, both from an attacking and defending point of view. Each day we put a lot into our routines.
“When teams come to Ibrox and defend then set pieces become even more important because they provide a goalscoring opportunity.
“Sometimes a match can be decided on something like this. Centre backs should be attacking these situations.
“It’s something I have always tried to do. Whenever I get forward in these situations I believe I can score.
“Since I arrived at Rangers we have been working hard on these situations. The coaches help you improve all the time.”
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