'You want to compete against the best' - Balogun on Haaland's potential absence against Rangers

Leon Balogun was on media duties ahead of Rangers' Europa League meeting with Borussia Dortmund, a strong indication that he will be involved in some capacity at Ibrox Stadium on Thursday night.

According to German newspaper Bild, Dortmund flew to Glasgow on Wednesday morning without Erling Haaland because the Norway marksman is unable to sprint and shoot properly after a muscle fiber tear injury.

Haaland watched on from the stands as the Bundesliga giants were thrashed 4-2 by the Scottish Premiership champions last Thursday, a game that Balogun also missed due to fitness issues.

The Nigeria defender has admitted that the absence of the Norwegian could be a big boost for Rangers but at the same time he was previously looking forward to facing one of the best strikers in the world.

"Yes and no. I think in this competition you want to compete against the best, he is one of the best at the moment," Balogun said at the pre-match press conference.

"So from that perspective it is a sad thing. But if you look at what he means to Dortmund then obviously it is a disadvantage to them, it is going to weaken them up front a little bit.

"But then again they have got enough to compensate. Not at the same level probably.

"But mixed feelings. Definitely not going to complain about it though."

Balogun says his injury problems are over and he's ready to play his first game for the Light Blues since February 9 when he was substituted after fifteen minutes against Hibernian.

"I'm available again. I've been craving that, to get ready for these fixtures. I'm here, I'm ready."

Igho Kingsley