Pundit slams Rangers fans after what happened to Leon King as ‘disastrous’ defender ripped apart on live TV
We’re delighted to welcome Tam McManus as our exclusive Rangers columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Tam McManus has defended Leon King with the Rangers centre-back being criticised for his performances in the Champions League this season.
King, 18, has been forced to play in every single one of the Gers’ disastrous group-stage campaign this term due to injuries plaguing Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s defensive options.
However, King has been a mainstay of a defence that conceded 22 goals in six games to become the worst team in Champions League group stage history.
While he didn’t play every minute of every game and only completed 90 minutes twice, he was heavily criticised for his displays in the 7-1 defeat to Liverpool, the recent 3-0 loss to Napoli and this week’s 3-1 defeat to Ajax.
Even Ibrox legend Ally McCoist ripped into King for his “disastrous” defending on Tuesday against the Dutch giants.
But McManus says he’s been impressed by the teenage defender’s performances despite the heavy European defeats and claims that all the experience will be beneficial for him.
Speaking to Ibrox News, McManus said: “I think he’s been really good.
“It’s been difficult for him coming in and playing at the level he’s been playing at. His first few games were against the likes of Liverpool and Napoli so it’s been a real learning curve for him.
“But I think he’s done well and after the Napoli game, there was a wee bit of criticism of him from Rangers supporters, which I thought was harsh.
“He’s only a young guy learning his trade and has only been thrown in there because of injuries.
“No offence but if the centre-halves were fit he wouldn’t be in the team.
“He’s filling in the gaps but going forward, it’s great experience for him.
“If he can handle it in those games then he’s got no worries in Scottish football. For him it’s all about getting as many games under his belt for Rangers.”
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