Ex-Celtic player says Rangers have just made a class signing

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Former Celtic man Beram Kayal has admitted that Rangers have pulled off a coup in Leon Balogun.

Gers boss Steven Gerrard snapped up the 32-year-old Bosman on Friday as cover for the injured Nikola Katic.

This is a massive season for Rangers as they bid to end Celtic’s attempt for 10-in-a-row and cover for the Croatian centre-back was vital.

Balogun, whom Kayal knows from their time at Brighton, has 32 caps for Nigeria, despite being born in Germany.

And the one-time Celtic star says his old club’s Old Firm rivals have made a top addition here.

Kayal told The Glasgow Evening Times: “Leon is a very good central defender. I rate him very highly. He is excellent on the ball and has presence. He has great drive, physicality and technique. He is a good fit for Scottish football.

“He is a superb professional. He is always doing extra work on his game on the training ground. He is a good guy as well. He will be a great character for Rangers to have in the dressing room.”

Kayal spent five years at Celtic before leaving for the Seagulls in 2015.

And the Israel international, who was signed by Neil Lennon back in 2010, is supremely confident that his former gaffer will masterminded a 10th successive Premiership title to the detriment of Rangers.

He added: “Neil Lennon is a super guy, he is hungry, he wants to win. I have no doubt Celtic are going to do it.”

Celtic kick off the defence of their Premiership title next Sunday with a visit of Hamilton, one day after Rangers visit Aberdeen in a tricky opener for the Ibrox outfit.