'I've wanted to play internationals' - Bassey insists he's not sorry for himself after a testing week

Published: April 06, 2022

Calvin Bassey has insisted that he's not sorry for himself after a testing week that saw him feature in a crucial World Cup playoff against the Black Stars of Ghana and the Old Firm derby with city rivals Celtic.

The versatile Italian-born left-back was handed his full senior debut last week as the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Ghana at the MKO Abiola Stadium, before going the distance against Celtic at the weekend.

Victory was the ultimate goal in both games but it wasn't to be as the Super Eagles were eliminated via the away goal rule and the Light Blues lost to Celtic despite scoring an early goal.

After a trip to Africa and back, Bassey has shifted his focus to Rangers' Europa League quarterfinal clash against Sporting Braga at the Estadio Municipal de Braga on Thursday night.

The 22-year-old has seen his stock rise this season after finally getting international recognition and forcing his way into Rangers' starting lineup.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's game, Bassey said : "Competitions are always changing, there's a lot of traveling, it's demanding on you physically and mentally but this is the position I've always wanted to be in.

"I’ve always wanted to play week in, week out. I've wanted to play internationals so I can't get to this stage now and give up or feel sorry for myself.

"I just got to take each game as it comes and try to give the best performance I can give no matter where I"m playing."

With the exception of the opening day defeat to Lyon in the Europa League, Bassey has been involved in all the matches played by Rangers in this season's Europa League.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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