Leon Balogun proves his worth for new one-year Rangers contract after Connor Goldson axed
Leon Balogun has shown he is worth giving another year to stay at Rangers after being brought back into the side, says Derek Ferguson.
The 35-year-old defender replaced the struggling Connor Goldson for the Scottish Cup semi final victory against Hearts and retained his position for the league victory at St Mirren but is out of contract in the summer.
With Goldson’s form having slipped Ferguson believes Balogun’s speed can be a crucial attribute, and since the Nigerian international is also an “inspirational” figure off the pitch to the younger players at Ibrox an extension to his deal would make sense despite his age.
And the pundit is happy with the centre-back pairing of Balogun and John Souttar, notwithstanding the latter’s habit of having short spells in games where he “loses the plot”.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News he said: “Balogun, I know he’s a fair old age now, he’s getting on. But age is only a number, it’s about his fitness and is he still capable?
“I think he showed in the semi-final that he’s still capable, and that was him coming off a 10-day or a week’s illness so he probably wasnae at his best. What he’s got, which I think is a must at this time when you’re playing football, is pace, you need that. I like him with big Souttar.
“Goldson, that pairing worked for a bit but Goldson’s starting to show his age a bit. The number of games he’s played has maybe taken it’s toll on him. I think the manager’s done right to take him out of the equation, not drop him, I think he needed rested. He’s still got a part to play.
“Balogun, like [Jack] Butland, it’s not just what you see on the park I think he’s quite an inspirational figure to the younger boys as well.
“Wee things like that, they all matter, and if the manager wants him part of the plans and he’s fit and capable, why not because he’s got that pace you need?
“Goldson, he’s been struggling a bit with balls over the top. John Souttar, he’s not slow, he’s quick, but he sometimes has these wee mad 10-15 minutes where he loses the plot.
“He’s an experienced boy, Balogun, he’s got a bit of pace about him. He’s obviously well thought of in the dressing room, why not give him another year’s contract, keep him about the place?”
Is Leon Balogun above John Souttar as top Rangers centre-back?
Balogun himself has admitted he is hoping to stay and if there is a suggestion that he might actually be the top option at his position at Ibrox then losing him from the squad would be a mistake.
Ben Davies and Leon King are both tipped to move on while Goldson and Souttar have their limitations as well as their strengths.
So while the latter’s brother Harry could be a summer target to come in after links in January it feels like Balogun is a player Rangers can’t afford to let walk.
In other Rangers news, the club are set for an unexpected cash boost when they sell a first-team player this summer after a spectacular success.
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