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Glasgow Rangers defender Leon Balogun has hailed manager Steven Gerrard for his ‘down-to-earth’ approach and ‘winning mentality’.

Gerrard has been a big success at Ibrox since arriving at the club three years ago to replace Graeme Murty.

At the time, many doubted whether he would be a success at the club, with Rangers a big first job for a man taking his first steps in the managerial game.

Since his arrival, the former Liverpool midfielder has worked hard to rebuild the side in his image and develop an attractive playing style to help them take on Celtic and end their dominance.

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That is something they have achieved this season, with Rangers romping to their 55th title and ending Celtic’s run of nine straight Scottish titles.

That success has seen Gerrard receive plenty of praise, with many believing he is primed for a move back south of the border sooner rather than later.

Balogun is certainly one of those who has been impressed by his manager, praising him in an interview to RBB 24.

“He is incredibly down-to-earth. At times he comes across as one of us,” he said.

“Nevertheless, he has a huge authority. He has a good sense of humour. And he knows how to deal with the players, when a player needs what kind of treatment.

“He does that really incredibly well. On top of that, there is this winning gene, this winning mentality, which he still has in him. 

“He takes part in training, as a starting point, for example. And then you can see it directly in his face; the switch is flipped: Now we’re going to win! Now we’re going to perform here.”