Rangers have confirmed the loan departure of Nikola Katic. 

The Croatian defender will return to his homeland and join Hajduk Split for the season.

Katic has a recall option on his deal so Steven Gerrard could call on his services in January.

The 24-year-old hasn't played a competitive game for Gerrard's side since a 1-0 win away to Ross County last March where he suffered a serious cruciate knee ligament injury that ruled him out of the entire 55 campaign.

Katic turned out for the Rangers second string against Dumbarton last week but is behind Connor Goldson, Filip Helander, Leon Balogun and Jack Simpson at first team level.

Gerrard said last week: "We’ve had conversations with Niko in the last few days. He played a B team game and came through around 70 minutes, which is positive news.

"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.

"In terms of people putting two and two together and writing his future off at Ibrox and saying he’s not in the plans or going to be sold, I think that’s wide of the mark.

"We’re happy with Niko. He’s had a real serious injury over the last 12 months and more.

"Now it’s about how we can get him a certain amount of games to get him right up to speed and to the best place he can be in.

"Because there’s no getting away from it, it takes time to get back from that level of injury."