Former Rangers defender Alan Hutton has suggested that Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey needs to go back to playing as a left-back.
Hutton stated that Bassey's versatility in filling in at centre-back for Rangers this season could be detrimental to his growth in his preferred position.
Bassey has featured in 43 games for Rangers this season, with his impressive performances earning him a Player of the Year nomination alongside Joe Aribo.
Calvin Bassey is still a left-back - Hutton
While speaking on Football Insider, Hutton acknowledged that Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst trusts Bassey enough to keep playing him in the centre of the defence.
However, Hutton believes that the Nigerian international is a full-back and playing in a different position might hinder his development in his preferred position.
Hutton said: "Van Bronckhorst certainly trusts him in both positions. In both positions, I think he does really well. I still see him as a full-back.
“In terms of that, it can be a little bit of a hindrance because you’re not developing in the position you want to play in.
"But I understand he’s got the attributes to play centre-back. He’s needed at this moment in time with injuries and so forth; he’s needed there.
Hutton hails Bassey's powerful running
Hutton highlighted Bassey's 114th-minute sprint against Celtic in the semifinals of the Scottish Cup that led to Rangers' winning goal as an example of what the 22-year-old Nigerian international can give as a full-back.
"You can see in the build-up to the second goal what he gives you, that powerful running right to the end," Hutton stated.
“It can be a little bit of a distraction. You want to play your position, nail that down and get as good as possible."
Hutton calls on van Bronckhorst to make signings
Hutton expects that when Van Bronckhorst brings in more players to the team, Bassey would return to his position on the left side of the defence.
“I think that will develop and happen as time goes on and the manager gets his own stamp on the team, bringing in his own players. Maybe he’ll bring in a centre-back. Then Bassey can concentrate at left-back," Hutton concluded.
Bassey broke into the Rangers team earlier this season when his national team compatriot Leon Balogun went out injured.