Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Balogun hails resilience of Gers team-mates in overcoming Hearts Levein believes Saints players’ mentality now crucial as injuries ease
LEON Balogun believes Rangers showed resilience to overcome Hearts 2-0 in their Scottish Gas Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday.
Eyebrows were raised when Gers boss Philippe Clement left regular centre-back Connor Goldson on the bench with the 35-year-old Nigeria international Balogun making his first start since a 3-0 win over Livingston at Ibrox on February 3.
After just two wins in eight in all competitions and on the back of a goalless draw against Dundee on Wednesday night, which followed their first-ever defeat by Ross County in the cinch Premiership in Dingwall the previous Sunday, the pressure was on.
However, a Cyriel Dessers double set up an Old Firm final on May 25, the first since 2002.
Balogun, in his second spell at the Ibrox club, said: “I think at this club, it felt like we had a few horrible weeks and it’s been two games only, obviously very important games, but within a week.
“So I think it was very important to bounce back against a team that has put in good performances in every game we have played this season so far.
“They never make it easy for us and certainly didn’t on Sunday.
“But it felt good to be out there and show resilience and get a good result, 2-0 and a clean sheet.
“Overall I can be happy. For me, it was just to make sure to prepare well and to have a good start to the game and do what I’m supposed to do and serve the team.
“I think overall as a team, as a unit, we did really well.”
Balogun revealed Clement has tried to keep the Rangers squad focused on the positives during the recent ropey spell which leaves the Light Blues three points behind cinch Premiership leaders Celtic.
The Light Blues begin their five post-split fixtures next weekend with a trip to St Mirren on Sunday.
He said: “He’s been really good with us because he makes sure we don’t get too emotional because it’s always very easy to watch those games back and then just feel sorry for yourself, talk yourself down.
“He just reminded us of things that, even though we had bad performances, we still did good.
“He makes sure that he reminds us of what we have to do and repeats that quite heavily as well.
“Then you can see throughout the training sessions how the confidence slowly builds back up.
“I think it’s not a surprise that we had a few difficult spells in the game on Sunday as well.
“But then again, we showed the character that he was able to instil in the team.”
ST Johnstone manager Craig Levein hopes to have almost a full squad at his disposal to bolster his Premiership survival battle selection options.
But the Perth boss believes getting his players’ heads right will be just as important as their bodies.
It’s a five-game miniseason to avoid the playoffs, with Ross County having cut the gap to third bottom to just one point after their shock victory over Rangers in the last round of pre-split fixtures.
Making sure Saints adopt the right mindset for every match is a big part of Levein’s job just now.
And fans will be hoping his vast football experience helps on that front over the next few weeks.
“A lot of it is down to mentality and your outlook,” said Levein.
“It would be great to get off to a good start and build some momentum.
“That is really important. “The players have had a few days off and are back in today. They are lively and in good spirits.
“I want them to go into the game off the back of a good week’s training.
“We will work on what we will do to try and counter Hibs but I just want us to have a high-intensity, focused week in training and that will allow us to go into the game with a positive frame of mind.”
Levein added: “Hibs is our earliest opportunity to pick up points and that’s what we are focused on.
“My primary concern is trying to get the players physically and mentally in the best shape possible for the weekend.
“There is no point in worrying about anything else after that. We will do everything we can to be ready.”
Levein will leave it until close to Saturday’s game before deciding whether to include Liam Gordon, Drey Wright, Dare Olufunwa and DJ Jaiyesimi in his matchday squad.
“Liam is improving and so is Dare,” he reported.
“Drey has been training with us for over a week now. He is looking good.
“DJ is training as well. We are starting to get some back.
“We’ll have a look at things later in the week. I can’t say for certain.
“I will need to have a look at exactly how much they have done and speak to Bod (fitness coach, Alex Headrick) about what we can expect and how many minutes we could get out of whichever of these guys we do use, based around how much work they have done.
“We just need to be careful we don’t damage anybody any further by throwing them in too early.
“Those conversations will take place this week. Then we can make a decision.”