NIKOLA KATIC savoured the best moment of his career as Rangers laid down a marker of their title intentions with a win at Parkhead.

The Croatian netted the decisive goal to earn Old Firm victory as Steven Gerrard’s side moved to within two points of Celtic at the top of the table.

It was no less than the Light Blues deserved from a commanding performance and Katic was proud of the efforts in a memorable derby success.

He said: “It feels amazing. To come here and win in this place and make the gap between the sides really small was just amazing. I am really proud of my team-mates and so happy for the fans.

“I think we showed in the cup final we can handle Celtic. We had our game plan, we listened to the manager and did everything he wanted.

“We showed no fear. It’s a tough place to go and play but we did it.

“However watched the final saw a very good Rangers performance and could see we are a good team.

“We were a bit unlucky but we had to stick to the plan and play out game. We went out and showed it again today.

“The goal was probably the best moment of my career until now. It’s something we practise so much, we do it every single day and I was so happy to get the reward because we work so hard.”

The build-up to the third derby clash of the campaign had been dominated by talk of Rangers’ Hampden heartache after they lost the Betfred Cup final earlier this month.

But Gerrard’s side will now head into the Premiership break with the title very much in their sights and with a game in hand over their Old Firm rivals.

Katic said: “We are in a good position but it’s still winter. It’s not even close to the end. We still have to take it game by game, session by session, keep pushing and giving everything to win each game.”

It was to prove an afternoon of mixed emotions for Katic as Rangers ultimately prevailed in a thrilling encounter between the title rivals.

The defender was penalised for a foul on Christopher Jullien but keeper Allan McGregor pulled off a terrific stop to deny Ryan Christie from the spot.

Katic said: “Was I worried? Almost. It was the referee’s decision and maybe yes, maybe no, but Allan McGregor saved me and he saved the team.

“It was done and I can’t complain about it. Well, I did, but it’s done and it doesn’t matter.”

Rangers would end a hectic 90 minutes a man down on the park and off it as Alfredo Morelos saw red and Michael Beale was sent to the stands.

Morelos picked up two needless late bookings but Katic was pleased with the Colombian’s overall showing as he once again led the line well.

He said: “The red card was the referee’s decision so I can’t talk about that.

“But Alfredo is one of the best players in the league – maybe the best. He showed how important he is in the last game against Kilmarnock.

“It happened but he gives a lot to the team and I was really proud of him today.”

It was Borna Barisic – who provided the assist for Ryan Kent’s opener – that was awarded the champagne on a day when Gerrard’s side didn’t have a failure.

And Katic was thrilled for his Croatian counterpart as the countrymen inspired Rangers to a long-awaited win at Parkhead.

He said: “He is an amazing player and he deserved to be man of the match. He’s the Croatian number one [left-back] and a big star for the future. I was so happy for him.

“We saw last summer, the Croatian team is maybe in the top three in the world, maybe top five, with players at Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool.

“It’s really hard to get there but I believe in myself and that’s one of my dreams –to pull on the shirt one day.

“I need to work hard and wait for my chance. The key is to be good for Rangers first.”