Maddison played key role in Bassey’s Ibrox transfer

Former Aberdeen midfielder James Maddison sold Calvin Bassey on a move to Rangers.

The 20-year-old defender joined the Gers last month from Leicester City where he was a team-mate of Maddison, who enjoyed a productive loan spell with the Dons during the first half of the 2016-17 campaign.

Bassey said he discussed his potential move north of the border with Maddison before agreeing to join Steven Gerrard’s side. He said: “I spoke to James about how he found Scottish football when he was with Aberdeen.

“He told me of his experiences and said that as long as I give my all I should be OK. He added that if I work hard, do my thing on the training ground and take my chance when it comes along I could do well. So hopefully he is right.

“It’s not an easy decision to make on your future for someone as young as me. As soon as Rangers came in, however, it was a privilege to join a world-famous club with a lot of history.

“I took myself out of my comfort zone and moved away from family. But you’ve got to make some sacrifices, and that’s one of the sacrifices I had to make.

“I’m focusing on where I’m at now, and I’ll do all I can to become as good as I can and fulfil my potential.”

Bassey scored in his first outing in a

Rangers shirt with the equaliser in his side’s 2-1 win against Hamilton Accies in a friendly on Friday.

Meanwhile, Romania national team boss Mirel Radoi has tipped Rangers playmaker Ianis Hagi to be playing in the English Premier League in two years.

Radoi reckons his fellow countryman may have chosen the wrong move by deciding to join Steven Gerrard’s side.

He said: “With the qualities he has, Ianis would have been more suited to move to a club in Spain rather than Rangers. The style of football would have suited him better.”

Gers new boy Calvin Bassey.