Celtic legend tells Rangers to extend Leon Balogun’s contract

Frank McAvennie, former Celtic and West Ham United striker has backed Super Eagles’ Leon Balogun for a new contract at Rangers, despite his age.

35-year-old Balogun impressed in Rangers’ 2-0 Scottish Cup semi-final victory over Hearts on Sunday, though it was his first starting appearance for the club since February.

After playing for the Gers between 2020 to 2022 where he won the Scottish Premiership title and Scottish Cup, Balogun returned to the Ibrox club last summer on a one-year deal, after a short stint at Queens Park Rangers.

With his current deal set to expire this summer, the defender revealed his hopes of a contract renewal following his Sunday’s performance.

“I hope so. Has there been talks on my future? Not yet. I really don’t know what will happen. I think those decisions will be made within the club within the next few weeks,” Balogun said as quoted by Daily Record.

“I hope I get a notification a bit more timely than the last time around! I would like to think I can be quite positive, touching on the manager.”

After making it to the Scottish Cup final courtesy of Cyriel Dessers’ brace, Rangers faces stiff opposition from Celtic in their quest to end the campaign on a domestication treble.

McAvennie believes Balogun has done enough to keep his spot in the team, and should be rewarded with a new deal ahead of the crucial matches.

“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,” the 64-year-old told Football Insider.

“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,” he concluded.