Nigeria international defender  Leon Balogun was  yesterday singled out for praise   after  the Ibrox side’s ‘outstanding’ derby  1-0 win against traditional city  rivals Celtic  thanks to Filip Helander ‘s second half header.

Rangers were  led out  by assistant coach Gary McAllister  after  manager  Steven Gerrard due to Covid-19 but was  reportedly pleased  with the team’s overall performance.

McAllister that was more forthcoming on Balogun who is being expected  for  this week’s  Super Eagles ‘ Qatar World Cup qualifier against Liberia in Lagos.

“It’s fantastically pleasing, it’s been a very strange three or four days,” McAllister told SkySports.

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“Players were playing with injury today, we had no idea who was available right up to this morning with Covid and close contract protocols. But you saw a club coming together today, and wow: the fans were outstanding.”

Nathan Patterson and James Tavernier were both ruled out due to Covid isolation rules, which meant Leon Balogun slotting in at right-back and had to contend with  Celtic’s pacy winger Kyogo Furuhashi.

“I thought from one through to 11 we were outstanding, but if I had to pick one Leon(Balogun) was superb,” McAllister raved .”I thought he dealt with that side of the pitch very well, he joined in when he could but he’s defensive display shows why we brought him here.

“He’s someone who’s capable of playing in two or three different positions and I thought he stood out today. It was a proper man’s performance (by Leon),” he noted.