Rangers legend McCoist calls for Leon Balogun's immediate return

Former Rangers player Ally McCoist has advised the Scottish giants to bring back Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun to the Rangers squad. 

The 59-year-old manager stated that the Nigerian international could solve the defensive problems facing Rangers especially as they chase UEFA Champions League qualification.

The Scottish side recently played a 2-2 draw at home against Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their Champions League playoffs.

The former Rangers manager identified a lack of height in the Rangers defence, positing that that is one area where Balogun can immediately solve Rangers' problems.

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As reported by Daily Record, McCoist also stated that with injuries plaguing the Rangers defence, the 35-year-old defender would have come in handy for his former club.

McCoist said: "I mentioned that before the first goal, Rangers looked small. PSV looked big, and I thought set plays were going to be important. James [Sands] isn’t a natural centre-back, would Balogun have made a difference?

“He’s sitting up in the stands watching Rangers on Saturday, I’m not sure I would have let him go. Souttar has injuries, you know, Helander."

The former Sunderland striker also revealed that he was surprised Rangers chose to let Balogun leave in the first place, pointing out that the Super Eagles defender could also help the Scottish club with scoring some goals.

“Perhaps there is [a case to bring Balogun back], it’s not hindsight, I was surprised to see him go, I really was," McCoist said.

"I tell you what, we could have done with him tonight. He’s got height, he’s got a presence, and scored goals in Europe.”

Rangers have won their opening their opening three matches in the 2022/23 Scottish Premiership but they have been less consistent in their Champions League playoffs. recording only one win so far in three matches.