Rangers coach, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst has commended Calvin Bassey’s performances and development over the years after the Nigeria international impressed with a sterling performance against RB Leipzig on Thursday.

The Gers defeated Leipzig 3-1 in the second leg of their Europa Cup semi-final fixture to qualify for the final on 3-2 aggregate win, with Bassey playing a role in the game alongside his compatriots, Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo.

Van Bronckhorst spoke about Bassey’s impact and his different positions in the team during his post-match conference.

“Calvin [Bassey], I can remember the first game I saw was the loss against Hibs (Hibernian) in the semi final,” Van Bronckhorst told the journalists.

“And there was one moment where you could see Calvin pushing forward and marking forward and had a great pressure moment.

“I remember the next day because he was disappointed of course with the loss and I told him that moment, I saw what he could bring to this team.

“His development has been amazing, playing left-back and left-central defender, I’m so happy for him.”

Bassey joined Rangers in July 2020 as a Leicester City academy product.

The 22 year old who was eligible to represent Italy, England and Nigeria, opted to play for the Super Eagles and made his debut in the 2002 World Cup African qualifiers playoffs game against Ghana in Kumasi.

He has recorded five assists in 47 appearances in all competitions this season for Rangers.

By Toju Sote