Ally McCoist has told BT Sport’s coverage of Rangers drawing 2-2 with PSV Eindhoven in Champions League qualifying that the Gers should re-sign free agent Leon Balogun – with the defender in the stands at Ibrox on Tuesday night.
46-time Nigeria international Balogun, 34, remains without a club after leaving Rangers this summer. His contract came to an end after a two-year spell with the Gers, in which he clocked up 65 league and cup appearances.
On Tuesday night, Rangers started James Sands alongside Connor Goldson. But at times, there were gaps in the defence and Jon McLaughlin was called upon to make a number of saves. Ben Davies and John Souttar are missing.
While Swedish defender Filip Helander is a long-term absentee. Balogun was in the stands as Rangers kept the tie in the balance thanks to goals from Antonio Colak and Tom Lawrence. McCoist suggests he would helped against PSV.
“That’s why I mention Balogun. He’s sitting up in the stands watching, Souttar has injuries, I’m not sure I’d be letting him go. Perhaps there is a case [to sign him up]. I was surprised they let him go, they could’ve done with him tonight.”
McCoist: Rangers should re-sign Balogun, was at Ibrox on Tuesday
He might have a point. Sands does not look like a central defender, he just has that feel of a midfielder playing out of position. Borna Barisic looks like he is playing without any confidence. So, Rangers need a solid option at centre-back.
Helander continues to suffer numerous injuries. Souttar has made a poor start to life at Ibrox and Davies is yet to get going. Balogun loves Rangers, and he would be more than happy to sign on for another 12 months as added cover.
It is surely a no-brainer. He has a great attitude, knows the club incredibly well, and can play either on the right or the left – or part of a back three. Balogun gives the side some height which was needed against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side.
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