Rangers legend reckons Super Eagles star Leon Balogun is the best central defender at Ibrox

Rangers legend Ally McCoist has lauded Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun as the team's best center-back following his impressive performance against Hearts on Sunday. 

The 35-year-old filled the void left by regular starter Connor Goldson and delivered a stellar performance that convinced the retired Scotland international he deserves to retain his spot for the upcoming fixtures.

McCoist, who was on commentary duty during the semi-final clash, believes Balogun should start Rangers' next match against St Mirren. 

"The one thing to come of this now is I think Butland will play the next game, Balogun will play his next game and Dessers will also. I don't think you can leave Balogun out now,"  McCoist remarked in quotes relayed by Rangers Review.

Alan Hutton, another pundit, echoed McCoist's sentiments, highlighting Balogun's performance and the potential frustration of being dropped after such a display. 

"I was just speaking about it as the game finished," Hutton said.

"If that's me and I've come into a semi-final and played like that and you come to the next game and you're not playing, you're raging. You're chapping the manager's door."

McCoist took the praise a step further, suggesting Balogun has become the undisputed number one center-back based on his current form.

"I take it a step further. I say Balogun on that performance today is his No.1 centre-back. Goldson might get back in but it'll be for Souttar."

The former Brighton and Hove Albion defender was on the pitch for the entirety of his side's Scottish Cup semi-final home win against Hearts.

Of the 53 matches in all competitions contested by Rangers in the ongoing season, Balogun has started in fifteen of them and made an appearance off the bench. 

Rangers set up with a meeting with fierce rivals Celtic in the Scottish FA Cup showpiece thanks to a brace from Balogun's international teammate Cyriel Dessers. 

Ejim Kaycee

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