Wigan Athletic manager Paul Cook has hailed Leon Balogun after he helped the Latics secure a 2-2 draw against Cardiff City in Saturday’s Championship game.
The Super Eagles centre-back made his first start in 14 months against the Bluebirds after joining the Championship club on loan from Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion in January.
Kieffer Moore twice put the Latics ahead with a clever back-heel on four minutes and then from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.
But Josh Murphy and Marlon Pack struck at the other end to ensure honours ended even – which allowed Latics to cut the gap to fourth-bottom Stoke to three points.
Balogun partnered Cedric Kipre in the Lactics defence and despite his lack of games of late, there was little evidence of him being match rusty.
“He’s (Balogun) obviously got a good pedigree, but I wanted to be loyal to the players who have done so well,” Paul Cook told the club website.
“Sometimes you can get too caught up with the result, but these players did so well against Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday.
“Leon is excellent. He’s composed. He sees things a lot more quickly and senses danger, his reading of the game is excellent.”
Balogun is hoping to reignite his career with the Championship side after his limited game time at Brighton.
The 31-year-old will look to make his third appearance for Wigan when they take on Millwall on February 22
