Steven Gerrard was boosted by the news at Rangers yesterday that Leon Balogun has committed to a new one-year deal at the club, following in the footsteps of Steven Davis and Allan McGregor at Ibrox.
The Nigerian international has impressed in Gerrard's side since joining from Wigan Athletic on a free transfer last summer, and given that his old deal was set to expire at the end of the season, it always seemed likely that he would be rewarded with an extension.
In total, the defender has made 28 appearances for the Light Blues, in which he has contributed three assists, although he has been unable to add to the 16 goals he has scored in his senior career so far.
His performances in the Premiership this season have been excellent, as he has averaged a solid 7.06 WhoScored rating across his 19 appearances in the top flight, which ranks him as the Gers' ninth-best performer in the league so far this term.
Although he is arguably third-choice centre-back behind Connor Goldson and Filip Helander, he has shown that he is more than capable of stepping in when required.
The 32-year-old has struggled on occasion when playing as a right-back, but there's no doubt that Gerrard will appreciate his versatility to play in that position, especially considering that James Tavernier has spent the last two months on the sidelines.
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Should Helander depart in the summer, with Leicester and Aston Villa reportedly interested in the Swedish international, then Gerrard is safe in the knowledge that Balogun can step up as his replacement next season.
Earlier in the season, former Rangers man Barry Fergurson was full of praise for Balogun, saying: "Unbelievable, that’s why he’s played, did you see his recovery? So pacy, what a find he’s been."
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It's clear that Balogun has impressed since his move from Wigan last year and Gerrard will surely be buzzing that the Nigerian international will remain at Ibrox next season.
In other news... Sold for £1m, now in League One: Rangers axed one of their "top players" at the perfect time