CALVIN BASSEY is expecting Borussia Dortmund to come out firing when they visit Ibrox next week for their return leg against Rangers in the Europa League.
Nobody could have imagined Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side would hold a 4-2 lead going into the second leg, but a top display by the Ibrox outfit has given them a huge chance of progressing into the last 16 of the competition.
Dortmund were without their star man Erling Haaland on Thursday, but Bassey is keen to test himself against the Norwegian if he passes fit for the return leg.
Asked if he would relish the opportunity, he said: “Of course, you always want to test yourself against the best. Obviously, he is one of the best strikers in the world without a doubt.
“You want to see how you do against these sort of players.”
Bassey was solid in defence and also joined the Rangers attack on a number of occasions, despite being utilised from centre-back.
It was a special night for all involved, and Bassey admits it will live long in the memory.
He continued: “Obviously it was a great night and a great feeling, we did amazing as a team, we enjoyed it and the next game comes thick and fast.
“You always want to be involved in the biggest games. For us every game is a big game, I know it’s cliché but it’s true because playing for a team like Rangers you can’t accept anything less than three points.
“Yesterday was an amazing night, in a big competition and I’m just happy we delivered. The game plan was to go out there and be brave, trust in ourselves and I think we showed that yesterday.
“We were brave in our press, we were high. We showed we can compete on a big stage.”
On being switched from left-back into the middle of the defence, Bassey added: “I just want to play! Every game I want to be involved wherever I play.
“Centre-back you need more communication and it sort of starts with you on the ball, if you can beat the first press, you’ve got the responsibility of setting the tone for the team in terms of beating the press and being brave.
“If me and Connor Goldson are brave it goes throughout the team and everyone then wants to play.
“Left-back is more physically demanding, you’re up and down to attack and defend. I just enjoy playing and want to play.”
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