Calvin Bassey scores his first professional goal as Glasgow Rangers thrash Falkirk 4-0

NIGERIAN defender Calvin Bassey scored his first professional goal over the weekend when he found the back of the net in a league game for his clubside Glasgow Rangers as they beat Falkirk 4-0 in a Scottish Premiership match.

Bassey, 20, joined Rangers in the summer from English Premier league side Leicester City, turning down a move to West Ham. He has made several appearances in his natural leftback position but on Saturday was deployed as a centreback in place of compatriot Leon Balogun and marked the occasion with a goal.

On the half-hour mark when he smashed the rebound into the roof of the net after Cedric Itten's header was saved by goalkeeper Morrison. Bassey, who is Italian-born, has already pledged his allegiance to Nigeria and is hoping that Super Eagles head coach will soon invite him to the national team.

Bassey said: "It is a good feeling and I just give thanks for the opportunity to be able to play for this amazing club. I just need to keep my head down and keep on working.

"There are things I could have done better. I'm obviously happy for my goal but I am just trying to improve as a player every single day."

West Ham are still disappointed over their failure to sign the defender from Leicester City in the summer transfer window. Bassey joined Glasgow Rangers on a four-year deal with the Scottish Premiership giants paying training compensation to his former club Leicester City.

According to Football Insider, Rangers took advantage of cross-border rules to sign Bassey for one tenth of his market value as he was worth in the region of £3m but the Light Blues parted with only £300,000. West Ham were interested in signing him prior to his move but Leicester City turned down their bid in the hope that he would sign a new deal, only for the player to run down his contract.

Rangers offered Bassey the chance to play first team football and he has gone on to make nine appearances since his move, including two games in the Europa League and qualifying rounds.  At Glasgow Rangers, he is surrounded by compatriots Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo, both of who play for the Super Eagles.