Ally McCoist tells Rangers to re-sign Leon Balogun after 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven
Ally McCoist has told Rangers they should consider re-signing defender Leon Balogun after releasing him this summer, following Tuesday’s draw with PSV.
The Gers secured a great 2-2 result thanks to goals from summer signings Antonio Colak and Tom Lawrence, but conceded both goals from set-pieces where defenders were out jumped.
McCoist was on commentary for the game on BT Sport and commented that the Nigeria international’s size was deeply missed and it’s something they should consider with their current defensive issues.
“I mentioned that before the first goal, Rangers looked small,” he said, as quoted by Daily Record. “PSV looked big, and I thought set plays were going to be important. Sands isn’t a natural centre-back, would Balogun have made a difference?
“He’s sitting up in the stands watching Rangers on Saturday, I’m not sure I would have let him go. Souttar has injuries, you know, Helander, obviously.
“Perhaps there is (a case to bring Balogun back), it’s not hindsight, I was surprised to see him go, I really was. I tell you what, we could have done with him tonight. He’s got height, he’s got a presence, and scored goals in Europe.”
Short-term option
Right now there is a debate to be had about possibly bringing Balogun back to the club on a short-term deal until January at least.
John Souttar is suffering with injuries again, and Filip Helander is completely out of the manager’s plans while Ben Davies has so far struggled to convince Giovanni van Bronkchorst to start him regularly despite joining from Liverpool.
Instead James Sands has been used but he isn’t a natural centre half and it shows, and it’s a risk that could eventually cost Rangers dearly if exposed one too many times.
Balogun could come in on a short-term deal to offer more depth and size to the squad and then options could be re-evaluated in the winter market if things don’t improve.
Everyone would be a winner in the deal with Balogun getting a club and Rangers bringing in someone who needs zero time to adapt to the team or it’s style, so there’s certainly an argument that it’s something to check out.
In other Rangers news, Tam McManus is expecting a record-breaking season after “very unfair” SFA decision