‘Looks a bit rusty’: Barry Ferguson doesn’t want £3.5m Rangers man to start against Celtic

Sat 2 April 2022 8:45, UK

Glasgow Rangers icon Barry Ferguson has told Go Radio he’d pick Leon Balogun over Filip Helander to start against Celtic at Ibrox.

Sunday will see Scotland’s big two lock horns at the Light Blues’ home in an absolutely crucial derby for the Scottish Premiership title race.

Rangers currently sit three points behind leaders Celtic, so a win is absolutely crucial for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.

Helander has spent most of the season on the sidelines with a knee injury which required surgery last September.

The defender has returned to action over the past few weeks, making his comeback against Annan Athletic in the Scottish Cup.

Helander has also featured against Dundee United in the Premiership and Dundee in the league and cup since returning.

And over the international break, the Sweden international played five minutes in the World Cup playoff semi-final win over Czech Republic.

Despite now being available, Ferguson reckons Van Bronckhorst shouldn’t start Helander, instead opting for Balogun.

He told Go Radio, via : “Balogun for me, form wise, is better.

“I like Helander but he’s been out for a couple of months and still looks a bit rusty.

“The pairing of Goldson and Balogun is the strongest at the minute.”

Balogun has made 28 appearances for Rangers this season, including 17 in the Premiership.

“It’s very sad for me”

Helander has expressed his disappointment at not being able to play a part in the Gers’ Europa League campaign.

Van Bronckhorst didn’t include the 28-year-old in February’s updated squad list as he was just coming back from injury.

The quotes him as saying: “I was just back in full training after the injury when the squad needed to be submitted and therefore I was not selected.

“It’s very sad for me not to be able to participate in a possible final.

“So yes, of course, I am disappointed not to be allowed to be part of the squad.

“Physically, I feel great. I have not played that much after the injury, but it is great to be able to run again. My fitness is good.

“It’s not fun to be injured. During rehab time, it does not feel like you are part of the team so it is never good.

“Now I have put it behind me and as I said, it feels good now.”