“I think he deserves it” – former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie urges Rangers to extend Balogun’s contract

Balogun last played for Nigeria in their 10-0 win over São Tomé and Príncipe, coming off the substitute's bench with 19 minutes left to play.

Former Celtic and West Ham United forward, Frank McAvennie, has urged the Rangers board to renew Leon Balogun’s contract, claiming the Nigerian deserves regular playing time, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 35-year-old centre-back rejoined Rangers for a second stint last summer after his contract with Queens Park Rangers expired, but the decision has not gone according to plan for him.

The former Mainz 05 man has been subject to just 16 games all season, starting one in the last twelve weeks. He was recalled into the starting eleven in Rangers 2-nil win over Hearts and McAvennie believes his performance should command more playing time at Ibrox.

Balogun’s contract with the Scottish record champions runs out in the summer, and with talks of a renewal absent, Frank McAvennie believes Rangers should extend his deal as his experience will come in handy for Philippe Clement’s side.

“Balogun played very well against Hearts. I don’t know what’s happened to Goldson, whether he’s been found out or if Clement is giving him a break.  I think that Rangers fans will be frustrated if Goldson comes straight back in after Balogun’s performance now. Balogun was amazing along with John Souttar. Rangers are going to need all their players for this run-in, but I think he deserves a new deal despite his age,” the former West Ham striker told Football Insider.

Rangers have a chance to win the Scottish domestic double but Celtic remain a stumbling block, as they’re three points ahead in the league, and will face Balogun’s team in the final of the Scottish Cup.

 

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria. With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience. He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.

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