'The best derby I've ever played in' - Rangers defender Balogun ahead of clash against Celtic

Published: April 03, 2022

Glasgow Rangers central defender Leon Balogun reckons that the Old Firm is the biggest derby he has been involved in as a professional.

The Scottish Premiership champions take on the Hoops at Ibrox Stadium on Sunday afternoon with Balogun and his international teammates Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey named in the Light Blues' starting lineup.

Rangers are out for revenge after they were thrashed by Celtic two months ago and a win would see them move level on points with their city rivals at the top of the table six games to the end of the 2021-2022 season.

With Balogun on the pitch, Rangers have yet to concede in seven consecutive matches, starting with the 3-0 loss at Celtic Park, where he came off the bench at halftime, and he'll be hoping to continue his fine form in defence this afternoon.

"I've played derbies before but I think nothing comes close," Balogun said to Rangers TV.

"I think it's debatable, I have seen a few rankings where the Old Firm was on five, six, I've seen lots where it was two or three. For me, it's the best derby I've ever played in and the atmosphere is always massive so I love it."

Balogun admitted that he prepared for the clash against Celtic in the same way he does for other matches but stressed that he is aware of the importance of the Old Firm to everyone associated with Rangers.

"I try to prepare like a normal match knowing it's not a normal match but I think that comes so much with it already so there's always pressure anyway before every game.

"There's more pressure on that game obviously so I'll try to be as normal as much as possible, then I don't stress myself too much but I know about the value to the club, supporters, for myself personally as well.

"I try to embrace that rivalry as much as I could from the moment I stepped into the club."

In four previous appearances against Celtic as a Rangers player, Balogun won two, drew one and lost the last match in February.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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