Balogun confident of Rangers Europa League progress

Glasgow Rangers defender Leon Balogun is optimistic that the Gers will progress into the next round of the UEFA Europa League this season and possibly reach the final again, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.

Rangers finished eighth in the league phase of the tournament, occupying the last automatic spot for the round of 16 with 14 points.

With their Scottish Cup adventure over and their title race against Celtic getting wider, the Europa League seems like their only way of claiming a piece of silverware this season and the Nigerian defender believes anything is possible.

“You never know. I think I was part of that European run three years ago when we made it to the final and I think we played, on the way there Dortmund and people thought Rangers, we were going to be crashing out early,” Balogun told AY Naija Lifestyle.

“It’s open really. I think what the next possible fixtures we can face. No disrespect but I think we have a chance there so you never know what comes after that.

“Bright is extreme. That’s something at this club if you play for them you don’t go into a game it can be tough but you go in there to win and I don’t think we have to hide.”

Rangers are currently awaiting the draws for the round of 16 where they will face any of the teams from the playoffs.

Although currently recovering from an injury, Balogun has made 18 appearances in all competitions for Rangers this season, scoring one goal plus one assist.

The 36-year-old versatile defender has played a more important role for the Gers this season than he did in the last, adding more minutes under his belt.

Balogun last played for Philippe Clement’s side in their 2-1 UEFA Europa League loss to Manchester United, where Cyriel Dessers scored a late equalizer, only for Bruno Fernandes to nick a stoppage-time winner.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion man was withdrawn at half-time at Old Trafford and hasn’t played any minute for the record SPFL Champions since then.

He has featured in three of their eight Europa League games this season.