Steven Gerrard says Nikola Katic isn't quite ready for regular competitive action – despite what the Croatian may think.
The centre-back made his first Rangers appearance in 503 days when he took to the pitch at Ibrox in the pre-season friendly against Brighton on Saturday.
He soaked up the applause when introduced as a half-time substitute but more recovery is necessary before he can regularly contribute, his manager explained, even if Katic himself believes he's ready.
"It's a special day for Niko, he told Rangers TV. "He's worked extremely hard over the course of a year.
"It's still very early, people can't expect to see him back regularly just yet.
"We need to work him in, phase him in. We need to be patient because Niko thinks he's ready now but we have to respect the injury.
"But today that 45 minutes will do him the world of good and I'm really pleased for him."
Also making an appearance was Zambian striker Fashion Sakala, who emerged from 10 days in hotel quarantine to get his first taste of action.
Gerrard added: "Fashion is still only a week in, and that's a week in after being in a hotel, in one room for 10 days so it's tough.
"With time and more games, as he gets used to us and the style he'll get better and better."
It's not known just yet how many supporters turned up in Govan – an initial allocation of 8,500 was given a late boost when more tickets on sale from Friday afternoon until shortly before kick-off. More will arrive for Sunday's Real Madrid friendly before next weekend's Premiership opener against Livingston.
They certainly played their part, including some ironic cheers for former Celtic loanee Shane Duffy who started for the Seagulls.
And Gerrard insists his champions miss them as much as they've missed watching the team in the flesh.
He said: "They were brilliant all day, fantastic to hear the noise. I'm glad the number, whatever the number was, got in today.
"We're looking forward to welcoming them even more tomorrow and next week.
"It's brilliant. They deserve it, they've waited patiently and supported myself and the boys ever so well.
"We've been craving them as well, it's not just them missing the stadium and us, it's vice-versa as well so we welcome as many back as we can and as quick as we can, as long as it's done in a safe way."
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