In the week running up to Rangers’ Europa League clash with Alashkert, much of the talk has concerned Calvin Bassey and Borna Barisic.
Namely, which of the two players will take to the field against the Armenians as the Croatian international stumbles and Italian-born Bassey continues to impress.
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard admitted that the ex-Leicester City kid was in his thinking ahead of the match with plenty of supporters eager to see the big full-back involved.
But ahead of the Europa League Playoff clash, the potential future Nigerian international was snapped in training alongside Borna as they both eye a spot in the squad.
Whoever Gers manager Gerrard picks, we’re sure they’ll be prepared to make the difference against the lowly-ranked Armenian side.
Here’s what the Rangers gaffer had to say when asked about the potential inclusion of Bassey ahead of the game, which may well be the youngster’s first ever European start.
“Calvin [Bassey] is in a fantastic place and his confidence is high,” said Gerrard [Rangers].
“His performance was strong the other night and has given me something to think about. I’m happy with both my young full-backs.
“We play what is in front of us, we are focused on the match tomorrow and aiming for a positive result.
“We have a very strong squad to aim to get the jobs done over two legs.”
Rangers prepare for the visit of Alashkert knowing that they will need to overcome the Armenians to reach the Europa League group stages.
This comes after a painful exit in the Champions League at the hands of Malmo, the ramifications of which the club may well feel for some time to come.
