Leon Balogun has repeated his previous criticism of former ‘manager’ Michael Beale by suggesting the ex-boss and his spell were a ‘dark cloud’ and his own lack of involvement was a ‘punch in the gut’.

The Nigerian, who has never been shy to expose the truth, was speaking before Rangers travel to Pittodrie for a huge showdown, and when talking about the last time the two faced each other, pulled no punches of his own.

He said:

Yes, there was. And there’s no denying the dark cloud, Beale, is very much gone from the building and things are much much brighter under Philippe Clement.

He went on:

There’s rarely been a Rangers Aberdeen league match this hyped in recent memory, but with all the implications on this one, it’s no wonder it’s capturing the imagination big time.

And he also admits, while watering it down a little, that Aberdeen do raise their game v Rangers:

Rivalry yes – Ibrox Noise has explained there’s just more niggle between these two clubs than there is for the Dons v Celtic – it all started with Simpson Durrant and never let up.

And hopefully Balogun starts and helps put right a few wrongs tomorrow.