Hutton Exclusive: 'Shaky' Rangers player signed last year facing Ibrox axe
Alan Hutton believes that Filip Helander will be axed from the Rangers line up when Leon Balogun returns to fitness.
The former Gers and Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, suggests that Steven Gerrard has found his preferred centre-back pairing in the shape of the summer signing and Connor Goldson.
Helander, 27, replaced Balogun in the starting XI for the 0-0 draw against Livingston after the 32-year-old picked up a quad injury.
The new arrival started the opening three games of the Premiership season and helped the Gers to clean sheets against Aberdeen, St Mirren and St Johnstone.
Hutton believes that while Helander is a good defender, Balogun has already established himself as the first-choice partner to Goldson.
"I mean it's been difficult for Helander, he's been out, in and out and stuff and it's not been the most settled time for him," Hutton told Football Insider.
"To come in again out the cold, obviously Balogun's come in and I thought he did excellent, he's fitted in seamlessly, he's been a revelation for them.
"Him and Connor Goldson have come up with a great partnership so I think that's going to be the partnership going forward. I think it's difficult for a player, knowing that, so they have to come in and really impress.
"It was a little bit tough for him (v Livingston) a little bit harsh for him to try and stake a claim on one performance but he did look shaky, Livingston did have a couple of opportunities.
"Gerrard will know his main partnership and I think Balogun will come straight back in as soon as he's ready."