THE road to the top has been a long and difficult one to travel for Nikola Katic. It is a journey he has not always made alone.

The Croatian became the fifth signing of the summer for Steven Gerrard when he completed the move from Slaven Belupo to Rangers earlier this month.

It is a switch that has taken Katic even further away from home but that won’t faze the defender as he looks to make his mark at Ibrox.

The 21-year-old is no stranger to doing things the hard way, to overcoming obstacles that stood between him and his dreams.

He owes a debt of thanks to many people, but most of those that played a small, yet crucial, part in his development were strangers on the road, faces he may never see again.

“It was very tough for me to become a professional footballer,” Katic said. “Because I started in such a small place. My town in Bosnia – Stolac – is home to only 10,000 people.

“I would travel every day to a club in the Croatian third division, Neretvanac Opuzen, that was quite close to the border.

“I would have to hitch-hike to get there, stand at the side of the road and ask someone to take me. Every day. A 100km round journey. That was what I did after school to get to training.

“I did that for two years until I got an offer from Slaven Belupo. I move there and played six months with the junior team before making progress step-by-step. For the last six months, I was captain of the first team.

“Looking back now, I think it was just in my character to do all the stuff I had to do. I was just so determined to become a football player.

“The only way was to hitch-hike because there was no train or bus that went through that area. There were some days when my dad didn’t have work and he could take me to training but that was only a few times.”

Rangers fans have had a chance to catch their first glimpse of Katic in action as pictures and videos of the Light Blues’ pre-season training camp have filtered out this week.

The stopper has been put through his paces by boss Gerrard in Spain and has quickly settled into his new surroundings with the Gers.

The persistence and confidence he showed in the early stages of his career will give supporters hope that he has the attitude and mental attributes to succeed at Ibrox.

And Katic is confident that he can handle the physical challenges that lie ahead in the Europa League and the Premiership this term.

“I was always a physical defender even when I was younger,” he said. “I loved a tackle and duels. I always wanted to be the leader of my teams.

“I don’t know where that comes from because nobody in my family played football.

“We always played football where I was born in Bosnia. The whole Balkan area has the same mentality that I have. My city, my friends, my country – everyone has this passion to work hard.

“Why is that? I really don’t know. But we have this mentality that is different to other areas of the world.”

The trip to Spain has given Katic a chance to form bonds with his new team-mates and get accustomed to life under a former Liverpool and England captain. He already had an insight into what to expect, though.

The centre-half is the fourth Croat – after Dado Prso, Nikica Jelavic and Niko Kranjcar – to sign for the Light Blues. It was an easy decision to follow their lead.

“Niko called my agent and told him if I need something just to call him,” Katic said “That was unreal.

“Niko is a big hero in Croatia, as is Dado. Dado is a great guy because he one of the best Croatian strikers ever. So I am really glad to have come here because of them.

“Niko didn’t tell me but he told other people here that he’s lived in New York and other big cities, but he said the best period of his life and the best city for him was Glasgow.”

Kranjcar may have endured an injury-hit spell at Ibrox but his two predecessors remain fondly remembered for their efforts for Rangers.

If Katic can follow in the footsteps of Prso and Jelavic, he will quickly earn a place in the affections of the Light Blues crowd.

And that could help him realise another of his ambitions as he looks to establish himself for his national side in the future.

“I played once a year ago in May against Mexico in LA,” Katic said.

“It would be a dream to play for them again especially as I have come from the Croatian League and it’s really hard because we have a lot of stars at big clubs; Modric, Rakitic, Lovren

“So it is hard to come from the national league and go into Croatian national team.

“But Rangers is a big club and it’s easier to come to the national team when you are playing for such a big club.”

Before Katic can think about a return to international football, he must make the most of his chance to impress in European action.

He will make his debut for Rangers in the Europa League qualifier with FK Shkupi next month and is relishing the chance to run out at a packed Ibrox for the first time.

“I read about it,” he said. “I don’t know any players from this club but I have some friends playing in Macedonia and some of my team-mates from my old club play in Macedonia. I think we don’t have a problem.

“I don’t want to say [how far we can go]. I just want to say we will work hard and go step by step. We will give everything and the results will come.

“It (the Slaven Belupo crowds) is not many, maybe 2000. Playing in front of 50,00, that is what every player dreams of. To play in front of a full stadium will be just great.

“This is what I dream of and why I work every day. This is everything. I have come here to do my best and get results with my team-mates.”