Tom English hails Calvin Bassey for knocking out Celtic with 114th-minute sprint

BBC columnist Tom English has showered praise on Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey for his role in Rangers' defeat of Celtic in the Scottish Cup.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's Rangers saw off Celtic in the semifinals of the Scottish Cup on Sunday after 120 minutes of football at Hampden Park courtesy of Carl Starfelt's 114th-minute own goal. 

Bassey's sprint and subsequent cross into Celtic's penalty box caused Starfelt to turn the ball into his own net and hand over the victory to Rangers after extra time.

In his Monday column for the BBC, Tom English was bashful of the Super Eagles left-back, praising his ability and willingness to carry the ball so deep into Celtic's half. 

English also pointed out that the 22-year-old defender had played a full 120 minutes just three days before in Rangers' UEFA Europa League quarter-final victory over Braga.

"In the 114th minute of Sunday’s tumultuous Scottish Cup semi-final, Calvin Bassey – a centre-back who played every second of Rangers’ 120-minuter against Braga on Thursday night – metamorphosed into a left-winger and put in the cross that led to the winner against Celtic and sparked thunderous scenes at Hampden down the blue end of the stadium,” English said.

The BBC journalist went further to praise not only the Rangers' defender's fitness but also his desire and 'rage for victory' that allowed him to make the difference for the Gers. 

English said: “Bassey is only 22 and entitled to be as fit as a flea, but what he did in that moment wasn’t just about superior conditioning, it was about desire and a rage for victory that typified Rangers’ effort on the day.

“Bassey donning the mask of a winger in the run-up to Starfelt’s own goal was the decisive act. Remarkable.”

Calvin Bassey has been a shining light for the Scottish champions this season, having already notched 43 appearances for the club across all competitions this season. 

The Super Eagles defender has contributed five (5) assists to the cause of the Ibrox-based club, in his show of versatility as a mobile left-back.

For his laudable feats this season, Bassey was named on a nine-man shortlist for the Rangers Player of the Year Award.