Wily old campaigner Balogun has to stay

NIGERIAN DEFENDER'S NOUS VITAL AT IBROX

- Craig Swan

LEON BALOGUN has made it crystal clear he is ready to line up for Rangers again next season.

The Nigerian's performances have proven that he is capable of continuing to deliver.

And, having had to be taken back in from exile once before at Ibrox, the case is getting stronger for Rangers to ensure that doesn't need to happen again.

Balogun is back in a familiar movie. Approaching the final weeks of the season, he is moving out of contract again.

Turning 37 in June, it is clear that Rangers will have to look beyond the veteran as they seek to find long-term solutions in the quest for trophies.

Balogun can't go on forever, but, as Davie Weir proved winning Player of the Year accolades and dominating strikers into his forties as a Rangers player, being at the latter end of your thirties need not be a barrier.