Balogun thrilled as Rangers close in on first Scottish title since 2011

SUPER Eagles defender Leon Balogun was a very happy man after helping Glasgow Rangers extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The Nigerian’s performance was described as ‘outstanding’ by the Rangers website as he shone in his first Old Firm derby, which Celtic won 1-0  on Saturday through Callum McGregor’s own goal.

Balogun played a big part in helping Rangers keep their 18th clean sheet of the season as Steven Gerrard’s side opened a 19-point gap. 

“It’s a great win. It wasn’t easy – we struggled in the first-half and got lucky a little bit, though we worked hard to get that luck in the first-half,” Balogun told Rangers TV.

“But then it was a good comeback in the second half and we were much better in the second half.

“Then, to obviously score and bring it over the line is an amazing feeling. It is my first Old Firm personally, and while the fans were missing, I think we will all be really united even though we cannot celebrate together.”

Rangers were not at their best but Balogun believes winning in such circumstances meant his side were tough mentally.

“It shows character but it also shows resilience,” the Nigeria international said.

“Everybody always wants to see you dominating teams and outplaying them and beating them three, four or five-nil, but it is football and they see us play and they adjust.

“So sometimes, you just have to dig deeper and find new ways. That’s sometimes why you maybe see us even struggle, but it shows great character and resilience that we still work to find ways and somehow get the results.

“I am sure the staff are already working on solutions for the games that are to come as there is no need now to get complacent or carried away. We just need to continue to work hard as we are just a bit more than halfway through. But we have to repeat what we have done so far.”

Rangers have 62 points from 22 matches, 19 points ahead of archrivals Celtic who have played three fewer games.

The last time Rangers won the title was in 2011, while Celtic have won the last nine in a row.
Attachments area