BORN AGAIN
Bassey is ready-made replacement for £20m man Barisic says Gary
GARY BOLLAN watched Connor Goldson talk Calvin Bassey through a 90 minute baptism at centre half against Falkirk.
And his mind raced back a quarter of a century to the night Richard Gough did the same for him.
The circumstances might have been different – a Champions League clash in the Westfalen against Borussia Dortmund – but Bollan believes the confidence he felt at proving he could be a versatile, valuable member of Walter Smith’s squad will be providing 20-year-old Bassey with a similar boost.
Bollan didn’t score in Germany but Bassey did venture forward to get on the scoresheet last Sunday and the Cowdenbeath manager reckons it will be the first of many.
That’s because he is adamant Rangers have found themselves a gem floating around the Leicester youth system and are already polishing him into a player who can be the replacement at left back for Borna Barisic.
Bollan said: “Bassey can be a ready-made replacement for Barisic because he looks like he can perform to a level that would satisfy Steven Gerrard.
“He’s a powerful boy.
He’s quick and athletic and has shown that getting up and down the pitch is no problem for him.
“It’s a big ask for anybody to come in and replace Barisic.
“If you’ve got the delivery he has, and the athleticism he does, then clubs in England will be looking at him.
“If there was a chance for Barisic to move down south in the summer, he would have to consider it.
“Gerrard will know that he doesn’t have to spend a big chunk of that transfer fee on a left back because he’s got a ready-made replacement and £20million in the bank.
“Bassey has shown that he can do the job.
“I played left-back but there were occasions I had to play left centre back.
“I remember doing it in a Champions League match away to Borussia Dortmund, alongside Richard Gough one night, and it’s a learning curve.
“Richard talked me through it and although Gazza was sent off, we drew 2-2, so it was good.
“Bassey might not have played the position too often but I’m sure Connor Goldson helped talk him through it, just as Goughie did for me.”