Rangers expert issues ‘massive’ Leon Balogun claim
Leon Balogun will keep his place in the Rangers starting line-up for the remainder of the season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Gers and Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton claimed that Balogun, 35, will now be Philippe Clement’s preferred centre-back choice over Connor Goldson.
Goldson, 31, had started the majority of the Glasgow giant’s games in all competitions but was dropped to the bench for Balogun in their Scottish Cup semi-final triumph against Hearts last month (21 April).
Balogun then started Rangers’ recent 2-1 win against St Mirren on Sunday (29 April) – the club’s first league win in their last four outings.
Balogun set for stint in Rangers XI after Goldson axed- Hutton
Hutton was adamant that Balogun’s actions before St Mirren’s equaliser did not prove that Clement made a mistake in recalling him to the XI and was confident his “massive” performances warrant his new starting role.
“I don’t think Clement’s decision to stick with Balogun backfired,” he told Football Insider.
“It was just one of those where the attacker was clever and used his body to get in behind Balogun [for St Mirren’s equaliser].
“These things happen.
“It does show that when Clement was asked if Goldson was dropped or rested, it now shows that it was probably dropped.
“Balogun was one of the best performers in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
“He was massive and he deserved to keep his place in the line-up.
“It’s up to him now to keep playing to a high level.
“I think he will keep his shirt for the rest of the season.”
In other news, Rangers have ‘concrete’ interest in signing St Mirren sensation – sources.
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