Leon Balogun: Cyriel Dessers is a very intelligent striker

Leon Balogun has described his Nigerian teammate, Cyriel Dessers as a very intelligent and special player.

Balogun has returned to Rangers on a one-year deal, subject to international clearance.

The 35 year old defender had an excellent two years from 2020-2022 at Ibrox, contributing to the delivery of title number 55 in 2021, the Scottish Cup in 2022 and the run to the Europa League final also in 2022.

Like he did in his first spell at the club when he played with fellow Nigerians, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey, Balogun will also be having a Nigerian, Dessers as companion at the club.

Dessers signed for the Glasgow side last week and Balogun is delighted to have such a great player to play with.

‘I think he (Dessers) is a very very special player, he is a very intelligent striker. I didn’t play many games with him but in training he was more than a handful,’ said Balogun who feels he is returning to his home.

‘I am just excited to be honest, it is still a bit unreal but it is very real, so I am just very happy.

‘It just feels like coming home and back to the family, there are loads of familiar faces still here and some new ones. I have had a very warm welcome and it is great, I am very excited and very happy.

‘Last year when I was waiting to see if I was going to stay in Scotland or not, my father came for the UEFA Europa League final and the Scottish Cup final.

‘He said don’t worry son, your time in Scotland is not over, obviously it was at that time, but I am happy he was right after all,’ he told Rangers TV.