Super Eagles and Rangers defender, Leon Balogun, who recently signed for Scottish Premiership side Rangers had made his debut match over the weekend.
He expressed unhappily about the challenge against him in the game against Aberdeen. Leon could not get up after receiving an impact on his head.
The shove by McKenna on Balogun caused him medical attention due to the collision with the post when Matt Kennedy launched in a corner kick in the second half.
The 32-year-old defender continued after receiving treatment and helped Steven Gerrard’s side to record a narrow 1-0 victory in their opening Premiership match of the 2020/21 season.
Leon Balogun’s mixed feelings
“I wanted to get up, but I couldn’t, he said. “It wasn’t quite light out but a little bit tough for me. I carried on playing and it wasn’t too bad. Maybe I’ll get some dizziness and a headache but I have tablets for that so it’s okay.
“I think it was McKenna who pushed me into the goal post. Was I unhappy with the challenge? Obviously, because it shouldn’t happen. But then again, I didn’t die so it’s okay. It’s part of the game so I think about it like a message ‘welcome to Scottish football’. If that’s what it is then I just need to get used to it and make sure I don’t get caught out next time.”
Steven Gerrard praised Leon
” He’s been in the door six days, this is probably one of the toughest away games on your debut. You’re only getting used to knowing the players.
“But we’d seen and what we’d seen prior, we had trust in him. But he went out and put out a performance. He deserves all the plaudits that come his way. I thought he was outstanding,” he said.
Leon basking in 3 points and a clean sheet
“It was special for me to get a round of applause from my teammates,” he said. “They told me this is a tough place to make your debut so I’m happy.
“I am just happy I was able to perform in the way I performed. That said, you are only as good as your last match so I need to rest up ahead of the next game. I want to help the group be successful,” said Leon.
“I enjoyed the game a lot. I was looking forward to getting started. The second half was maybe not what we wanted but it’s always great to start the season with a win. As a defender, it’s also good to get a clean sheet. We accomplished that so it’s a good start for us.”
Rangers host St Mirren next week Sunday. But, before that, Gerrard’s side will look to overcome a 3-1 Europa League last-16 deficit against Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday in Germany.
