‘Called me’: Int’l boss explains discussions involving Rangers trio, including £14k-a-week ace

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Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr expects ‘most’ of his players will arrive early for the Africa Cup of Nations, offering Rangers hope Joe Aribo, Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey can face Celtic.

Steven Gerrard is at risk of the trio missing the Ibrox side’s trip to Parkhead on January 2. The AFCON is due to start a week later, and Rohr wants the Super Eagles to assemble at least 10-days before their opening Group D clash with Egypt at the Roumde Adjia Stadium.

Balogun and Aribo both started the last Old Firm derby on August 29 as Rangers won 1-0. Gerrard left Bassey out of his squad at home to the Bhoys, but has started the 21-year-old in the Gers’ last two Premiership fixtures against Aberdeen and Motherwell.

Rangers are loath to lose Aribo, Balogun and Bassey for international duty with Nigeria for January’s trip to Celtic. However, Rohr could cut the Gers some slack, as The Scottish Sun quote the Super Eagles boss explaining an approach from Rangers over the trio’s situation.

“We need a good preparation,” Rohr said. “We need the players at least 10-days before but like you know in the UK, they play.

“Somebody called me from Glasgow already. They have the derby, Rangers v Celtic, on the second day of January and asked if we can let the players play. We have a lot of problems to prepare the team, but I think we will have most of our players at least 10-days before.”

Rohr offers Rangers hope over Aribo, Balogun and Bassey availability

Additionally, The Scottish Sun note that FIFA has given players a deadline of December 27 to report for AFCON duty. But Rohr has given Gerrard hope that Aribo, Balogun and Bassey will be available for Rangers’ trip to Celtic.

His use of the word ‘most’ hints the door is still somewhat ajar for the trio to feature at Parkhead. Rangers may still have to overcome FIFA’s deadline, but will take joy in Rohr showing any willingness to release them.

Gerrard will be particularly hopeful of Aribo’s availability, after relying heavily on the £14k-a-week midfielder so far this season. The 12-cap Nigeria international has started all 20 of his appearances across all competitions this term, only missing one fixture. Balogun has also been key, with the 41-cap defender starting all 15 of his appearances during 2021/22.