Allan McGregor's testimonial match: Balogun subbed in as Rangers beaten 2-1 by Newcastle 

Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun was in action for Glasgow Rangers in their 2-1 loss to Newcastle in Allan McGregor’s testimonial match played at Ibrox on Tuesday evening.

The friendly was held in honour of Allan McGregor who hung up his gloves at the end of the 2022-2023 season after two spells at Rangers in which he registered 216 clean sheets in 488 all-competition appearances. 

Balogun came on at the start of the second half as Rangers attempted to restore parity and featured for the entire duration of the half.

Miguel Almiron gave Newcastle the lead in the 16th minute before new signing Sam Lammers restored parity for the home team in the 64th minute. 

Three minutes before the end of normal regulation time, young Scottish defender Harrison Ashby scored the winning goal for the Magpies.

It was Balogun's second appearance for the Scottish outfit as he had earlier featured in Rangers' 2-0 win over Hallescher FC last week having come on as a second-half substitute.

While the 35-year-old has made two appearances so far for Michael Beale's side, his compatriot, Cyriel Dessers is still waiting for his debut.

Beale's side still have three pre-season games coming up, against Hamburger, Olympiakos and Hoffenheim.
.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com