Calvin Bassey told post Rangers life is no nightmare as Ajax boss issues 'out of favour' response

Calvin Bassey has been told his Ajax transfer from Rangers is not turning into a nightmare and that he is firmly in their plans.

The Nigerian international left Ibrox for a record fee last summer to join the Dutch giants. His physical play on the left-side of defence won many plaudits on the run to last year's Europa League final but Bassey has been battered with criticism from all angles in Holland since his move abroad.

He's been out of the starting team for the last three Eredivisie games but with Edson Alvarez suspended for this week's crucial tussle with PSV, manager Johnny Heitinga will reintroduce him, banishing notions he is out of favour. What will be crucial for Rangers' record fee holder though is placement in next season's Champions League. He told AjaxShowTime: "No, he's not out of favour. We have only chosen Álvarez as left central defender in the last games. He's suspended, so now we switch puppet for puppet.

"It's not that complicated for me. Calvin is a studious boy, you don't see that, you mainly see the snapshots in the stadium, but I see every day what he does to get better.

"We believe that he will help us on Sunday. One thing is important and that is that we will play Champions League next season, Calvin has qualities that other players don't have.

"We have to make sure that he comes to play in his strength. You have personal conversations with each other, his job as a defender is to take his man out, that's the most important thing.

"We have to help each other for ninety minutes. That goes for Calvin and the other boys, I am convinced that he will deliver a good performance."

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