I’m my Shout of comfort zone
Calvin: Blasts from Gers No.1 make position change a new bawl game
HE might look like Mr Angry on the pitch at times. And he definitely sounds like it when his team-mates let their guard down.
But Calvin Bassey is only too happy when Allan McGregor’s barking raises the decibels to ear-bleeding levels.
Because he insists the veteran Ibrox goalkeeper’s verbals are vital in steering him through every step of his shift into central-defence.
McGregor has had his critics in certain sections this season but has bounced back with three impressive displays since Giovanni van Bronckhorst took over.
And it’s not just the 39-yearold’s shotstopping ability that is a vital cog in Gers’ rearguard – it’s also his on-field coaching which Bassey says is helping establish himself alongside Connor Goldson at the heart of the defence.
With Leon Balogun and Filip Helander still missing for today’s clash with Dundee at Ibrox, Bassey should again be tasked with partnering stalwart Goldson.
And asked if McGregor leaves his ears ringing on matchday, Bassey said: “You get used to it to be fair!
“Greegsy, all jokes aside, is a wonderful guy and a top player. He just tries to help.
“The way he says things, it might look like he is screaming down my neck but he is just trying to help me and what he’s saying is all good information.
“He is almost like a coach on the pitch. He’s done it for many years and experienced a lot. Greegsy’s fine!”
Bassey arrived in Govan from Leicester City last summer as a left-back and the majority of his appearances under Steven Gerrard came on the left of a back four.
The 21-year-old admitted last week full-back remains his preferred position. But if it means he gets a starting slot then the Englishman admits he will play anywhere.
He has been at centre-half for all three of new gaffer van Bronckhorst’s games in charge. And he’s enjoying learning with every match.
Bassey said: “I will play anywhere the manager wants me. Being young you need to build trust. Playing different positions helps me get better as a player.
“The positioning is different but I have experienced players and internationals around me.
“I have Tav, Connor, Greegsy and Borna and they have all helped me out.
“Every game and every day is just a learning experience for me.
“That role brings different passing lines and the view of the pitch is different compared to when you are at left-back.
“The more you do it the more you know what passes are on, where you need to go and can anticipate where players are going to go so you can pass it into the space.
“The more experience I’m getting in that position then the more confident I’m getting. Hopefully I keep getting better.
“I wish Leon the best and I hope he gets back soon but I just want to be on the pitch. Most guys in the dressing room are happiest on the pitch at Ibrox.”
Bassey insists the arrival of
van Bronckhorst as boss has been “amazing” and is delighted with the clean slate it has provided for himself and other players on the fringes under Gerrard.
Now he has his eyes set on joining team-mate Joe Aribo in the Nigeria international set-up and knows maintaining his form for Rangers is key to those chances.
The Super Eagles begin their African Cup of Nations campaign early in January – and if they progress it could cause Rangers a problem.
Bassey said: “The new boss has been amazing. As players you just have to adapt and we have really enjoyed it.
“We don’t think about the details. We just try to get on with it and perform as well as we can.
“When there is someone new in the building you want to give your best. I was in and out of the team before but now it is a clean slate for everyone.
“You want to show how good you are and what you can give. He has taken the level in training up and hopefully we are showing that in our performances.
“Of course, it’s always an honour to represent your country. The timing is a bit hard because we have so many games.
“But I’m just focused on the club and if I do well here that’s what helps me get called up for Nigeria.
“I will take each game as it comes and when we get to that stage we will look at it and see what’s best for me.”
Ryan Jack will be back in the squad and could make his first appearance for van Bronckhorst. Bassey expects a different test to that provided by Wednesday’s 1-0 win in Leith.
He added: “Hibs was back and forth and they had us pinned back at times. Dundee might be a bit more direct and we might have more of the ball.
“That’s one thing the new manager is focused on – making sure we are focused 24/7.”