2021 Super Eagles invitee Calvin Bassey was one of the standout players as Giovanni van Bronckhorst began his tenure as coach of Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers with a 2-0 victory over Sparta Prague on matchday five of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.

Bassey was brought into the starting lineup as cover for compatriot Leon Balogun who was unavailable for selection due to the injury he suffered in the defeat to Hibernian at the weekend.

The Leicester City academy product did not look out of place against Sparta Prague, putting in an awesome display especially in the first half and was strong in one-on-one duels.

This season, the versatile left-footed Bassey has been asked to play as a left-back and central defender.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, the 21-year-old admitted that he prefers to play as a fullback but is ready to play in any position for Rangers.

Bassey told reporters : "Obviously I prefer left back but to be honest I've said it before in multiple interviews wherever the manager wants to play me whether it's in goal , whether it's up top I'm going to go there and I'm going to try give my best.

"Just wherever I'm ready to play wherever. Preference or not it doesn't matter to me I'll just play wherever and try to give everything".

Bassey was named in the Nigeria squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Central African Republic last month but was a non-playing substitute in both matches.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : rangers.co.uk