Rangers legend Ally McCoist has questioned the Ibrox club’s decision to let Leon Balogun go after the 2-2 Champions League Playoff draw with PSV Eindhoven.
The Gers head to the Netherlands with the the tie wide open and whilst the 90 minutes in Glasgow was an even affair the Dutch club will be favourites to progress at the Philips Stadion next week.
But the Ibrox side might be holding an advantage heading into the game had the club better defended set pieces in the match, with both PSV goals coming from corners.
According to Ally McCoist, Rangers might have been better equipped to deal with these had Nigerian international Leon Balogun still been at the club.
The 34-year-old centre-back was released this summer with the Gers moving for Scotland international John Souttar and £4m Liverpool centre-back Ben Davies, both of whom never played in the match.
The long-term absence of Swedish international centre-back Filip Helander meant the Gers had to start with versatile USA defensive midfielder James Sands alongside Connor Goldson.
Ally McCoist questions Rangers decision to let Leon Balogun go
Speaking as part of the BT Sport coverage of the match, Ally McCoist reckons Rangers could’ve used Balogun’s height and presence against PSV as they lost two goals from corners.
“He was sitting up in the stand watching Rangers. I’m not sure I’d have been letting him go,” said McCoist.
“Souttar and Helander have had injuries. It’s not with hindsight. I was surprised to see him go I really was.
“They could have done with him tonight. He has the height, he has a presence. He has scored goals in Europe.”
Leon Balogun spent two seasons with Rangers and was let go in the summer after the renewal of Connor Goldson’s contract in a move which has seen a mixed reaction amongst the support.
The defender did have troubles with injury during his time at the club but was a fan favourite and even scored in that 2-0 Europa League win over Brondby last season.
Qualification for the Champions League is the next step on the journey back from the lower leagues of Scottish football and everyone connected to the club is desperately willing it to happen.
Is Ally McCoist right; did Rangers make a mistake in letting the influential centre-back go despite Balogun’s pleas to stay at Ibrox?
The defender was also snapped back amongst the Bears during the second leg victory over Union Saint Gilloise.