Rangers legend praises Aribo and Bassey and expresses concern over his former club loosing both Nigerians

Rangers legend Ally McCoist has expressed his concern over the contract situation of Super Eagles left-back  Calvin Bassey, whilst also praising midfielder Joe Aribo, labelling his impending departure from the club as a sad loss.

Bassey who arrived at Ibrox from English side Leicester City in 2020 has two years left on his contract with the Gers.

His international teammate Aribo is edging closer to a transfer to Premier League club Southampton for an initial fee of six million pounds.

Speaking to talkSPORT via The Scotsman McCoist said, "I would be a lot happier with my Rangers supporting scarf on if we tied them down for another couple of years. The one player towards the end of the season who was absolutely outstanding was Calvin Bassey.

"He can play left-back or left centre back in a 4 or a 3. He had an incredible man of the match performance in the Europa League final by a considerable distance, then another man of the match performance in the domestic cup final.

"So I am a little bit concerned but there are a lot of really good things happening at Rangers as well."

McCoist also praised the impact Aribo had at the Light Blues. He said, "It will be a sad loss but that is football. We bought him from Charlton a few years back and I think he has been fabulous.

"He has blossomed and he has grown. He has 20 odd caps for Nigeria, playing top class football. If he goes to Southampton they will be getting a very good player".

He added: "Anyway, bottom line is I would have absolutely no problems, with all the Rangers fans, saying thank you to Joe Aribo for his time at Rangers and wishing him all the best. He gave us that moment in the Europa League final and he has had some great performances".

Aribo enjoyed cup glory with Rangers in 2021-2022, helping them win the Scottish Cup but wasn't able to help the club to retain the league title whilst losing the Europa League final to Eintracht Frankfurt.

The lanky midfielder also became only the second Nigerian player to score in the final of a European competition after ex-Arsenal star Alex Iwobi.