NEW Rangers centre half Leon Balogun last night admitted he was unhappy with a challenge from Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna at Pittodrie yesterday that left him requiring medical attention on a head knock.
Balogun, the Nigerian internationalist who joined the Glasgow club last month and was making his debut, failed to get up after being shoved into the goal post at a Matt Kennedy corner kick in the second-half.
The 32-year-old only continued after receiving treatment and helped Steven Gerrard’s side to record a narrow 1-0 victory in their opening Premiership match of the 2020/21 season.
“I wanted to get up, but I couldn’t, he said. “It wasn’t quite lights out but a little bit tough for me. I carried on playing and it wasn’t too bad. Maybe I’ll get some dizziness and a headache but I have tablets for that so it’s okay.
“I think it was McKenna who pushed me into the goal post. Was I unhappy with the challenge? Obviously, because it shouldn’t happen. But then again I didn’t die so it’s okay. It’s part of the game so I think about it like a message ‘welcome to Scottish football’. If that’s what it is then I just need to get used to it and make sure I don’t get caught out next time.”
Balogun, the former Hannover 96, Werder Bremen, Fortuna Dusseldorf and Brighton footballer, was clapped by his fellow Rangers players in the dressing room following the final whistle after helping them keep a clean sheet.
“It was special for me to get a round of applause from my team mates,” he said. “They told me this is a tough place to make your debut so I’m happy. I am just happy I was able to perform in the way I performed. That said, you are only as good as your last match so I need to rest up ahead of the next game. I want to help the group be successful.
“I enjoyed the game a lot. I was looking forward to getting started. The second half was maybe not what we wanted but it’s always great to start the season with a win. As a defender it’s also good to get a clean sheet. We accomplished that so it’s a good start for us.
“I was happy to start the game first of all. I did anticipate it after our training sessions but it’s still a great compliment to get the shirt straight away. I said when I came I wanted to work and honour it, so I was glad to get the opportunity.”
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