Rangers defender Leon Balogun could return to the starting XI for Saturday’s clash against Kilmarnock at Ibrox following a sub-par performance from Filip Helander against Hamilton.
Balogun has been impressive ever since he joined the club on a free transfer in July.
The Nigeria international has made 20 appearances in all competitions but was recently dropped from the side to accommodate Helander, who many supporters see as Connor Goldson’s best centre-back partner.
Balogun has sat out of the Gers’ last four Premiership fixtures, with Steven Gerrard’s side keeping clean sheets in the first three of those.
However, things were much less convincing defensively at the Fountain of Youth Stadium on Sunday, with the opposition allowed many efforts at goal.
Accies got off 12 attempts across the 90 minutes and seven of those were on target, with the final one from Ross Callachan beating Allan McGregor and earning the hosts a point.
None of the members of Rangers’ back four had a flawless game, but Helander certainly wasn’t at his commanding best and got off very lightly when he was robbed of the ball in his own box in the first half by Bruce Anderson.
There are some concerns about Helander’s performances on artificial surfaces in general but even though this weekend’s fixture is back on the grass at Ibrox, he could well be replaced in the XI by Balogun.
Even if Helander had been convincing at Hamilton, neither of the two defenders have played more than four consecutive league games since September and Gerrard will be keen to ensure all of his centre-back options are match fit ahead of the fast-approaching Europa League Round of the 32 tie against Royal Antwerp.
To that end, if things are going smoothly, there’s also every chance that Jack Simpson will make his Rangers debut off the bench against Killie.
Otherwise, he would be jetting off to Belgium next week having not yet had a taste of action since his deadline day transfer.
Rangers are looking to secure the Premiership title and compete in the Europa League over the coming months, but their Scottish Cup hopes are in limbo following an SFA announcement.
