'He's not good enough for the EPL' - Ex-Celtic hitman takes a swipe at Rangers rising star Bassey

Former Celtic hitman Frank McAvennie has taken a swipe at Calvin Bassey by revealing that the Rangers rising star is not good enough to play in the English Premier League.

The Nigeria international is being linked with a transfer to the English top-flight, with Aston Villa mooted as one of his possible destinations.

Bassey is in the plans of manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst for next season but the Light Blues higher-ups would reportedly be forced into a sale if they receive a bid of at least 25 million pounds.

The 22-year-old has put himself in the shop window after  a string of brilliant performances in the physically demanding Scottish Premiership and the second-tier of European football, Europa League.

To drive home his point of Bassey not good enough to play in the Premier League, McAvennie underlined that the young Nigeria international won't be able to cope against top attack-minded players such as Jack Grealish.

"I don’t think he is good enough for the Premier League. If Gerrard is buying him, it’s because he has done a job in Scotland," McAvennie said to Football Insider.

"England is a whole different game. He’s muscle-bound but if he comes up against someone like Jack Grealish he will get ripped apart.

"I’m sorry to say Bassey but that’s the truth. Another year up with Rangers and maybe he might be ready.

"At this moment in time, the brutal truth is he’s good enough."

Bassey went the distance as the Super Eagles were beaten 2-1 by Mexico on Sunday morning and the highlight of his performance was providing the assist for Cyriel Dessers' goal  - his first goal involvement in Nigeria colours.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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