Rangers star targets international return and plays down retirement rumours
Yesterday at 09:30 AM
Leon Balogun was back on the pitch against Aberdeen and is now setting his sights on an international return.
The Rangers centre-back was out for almost a month, missing five league games, with an injury before being reintroduced as a sub during the comprehensive win over the Pittodrie side.
His injury has been one part of the defensive crisis, with John Souttar also missing a considerable chunk of action, Neraysho Kasanwirjo back at Feyenoord and James Tavernier and Dujon Sterling also missing games.
Balogun even suffered a setback as Gers tried to rush him back to make up for the severe lack of available defenders.
He was then able to get minutes in the league at Ibrox but was then nowhere to be seen for the Scottish Cup win over Fraserburgh, which would’ve been an ideal time to give him more action.
That could mean another setback has occurred, although nothing has yet been confirmed by Philippe Clement.
Leon Balogun wants Nigeria return
But the player is clearly hoping to play enough football with his club over the coming weeks to be called up for his country in March.
The last of Balogun’s Nigeria caps came in 2022, during a 10-0 win over São Tomé and Príncipe.
Perhaps his lack of regular action for Rangers has counted against him as he always seems to be in and out of the side.
There also seems to have been a belief in his home nation that he has hung up the boots internationally, which he has moved to play down.
Balogun has always had an eye on a return and raged as his Nigeria teammates were held 'hostage' at an airport.
Balogun told Brila: “It's not that I've not accepted an invitation ever. Unfortunately, right before the World Cup break, I suffered an injury that was supposed to last a few weeks but didn't go the way it was supposed to.
“I just couldn't come I was not fit yet and after I got fit, then I relapsed but since then I haven't had a lengthy injury spell.
"I have always been available. I've never said that I retired from international football, and I think the people who need to know are aware that I'm still very much willing and ambitious to represent the national team.”
What Philippe Clement said about Balogun’s return
"We had two players back in training with Tav and Leon Balogun," said Clement before Aberdeen.
"So we're going to look tomorrow how we are if they had a reaction or not, and if they are able to be in the selection or not.
"So it's a positive to get players back now.
"Of course they didn't train much or anything but it's a positive that they are back."
