Ibrox Exclusive: Alex Bruce praises Rangers for cut-price Calvin Bassey deal
We’re delighted to welcome former Scottish Premiership defender Alex Bruce as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Rangers…
Alex Bruce has praised Rangers boss Steven Gerrard for bringing in defender Calvin Bassey on a free transfer.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the former Kilmarnock defender also suggested that the full-back’s experience of coming through the academy system with Leicester City can help him to grow as a player in Glasgow.
The 20-year-old agreed a pre-contract deal with the Gers earlier this month, and will make the move north this summer upon the expiration of his current deal with the Foxes.
And Bruce has hailed Gerrard for wrapping up such an exciting free transfer at a time when funds are tight in the Scottish game.
Speaking to Ibrox News, he said: “It’s a really really tough job for Steven Gerrard.
“He’s got a gap to bridge. He’s not going to have bundles of money, I think that’s something that everyone will know about, so it’s a really difficult job for him. However, I believe that in the two years he’s been there now he’s done a great job – and again here.
“In Bassey’s case, I think it’s important to have that experience [of coming through the ranks at a Premier League side], but you’ve ultimately got to use the experience and what he’s seen at Leicester.
“He’ll know what it will take to be a top player – it’s important he takes that up to Ibrox and grows as a player.”
Bassey has yet to make his senior debut for Leicester, but has been a mainstay of the U23s setup at the King Power Stadium this season.
It is understood that Gerrard could also turn his attention to Bassey’s 18-year-old Leicester teammate Dennis Gyamfi, who is also out of contract this summer.
In other Rangers news, Alan Petrovic claims Gers ace Barisic is ‘ready for the Premier League’.