CALVIN BASSEY delivered a present of appreciation to Giovanni van Bronckhorst as he was reunited with his Rangers mentor on Monday.
But the former Ibrox hero insists there will be no Champions League gifts left behind as Ajax aim to inflict another European blow on the Light Blues.
Bassey was tight-lipped about the memento that he handed over to Van Bronckhorst on the night that he returned to Glasgow just months after his record-breaking move to Amsterdam.
The Nigerian repeatedly refused to divulge what was in the parcel as he conducted pre-match media duties before striding down the tunnel and pulling on his boots at his former home.
It will be an emotional occasion for Bassey as Rangers and Ajax round off Group A. He will put his personal situation to one side, though, as he focuses on the job in hand.
Bassey said: “It’s a nice feeling being back in Glasgow. It’s nice to see familiar faces but it’s a weird feeling as well.
“I will just lock in and get focused on the game. Obviously I’m an Ajax player now and for me it’s important for us to get the win. That’s what I’m focused on.
“Of course it’s important [to win the game]. You want to win every game as a player.
“So it’s important to win and secure a place in the Europa League. Of course it’s important.
“He (Van Bronckhorst) gave me an opportunity when he came. He taught me a lot and helped me get confidence. He has been very important to my career.
“I think the playing styles are different [between Rangers and Ajax]. The way we play is evident to see.
“We are more fluid and Ajax is a possession based team with exciting football. That is what we try to give in every single game. You should be able to see the difference.
“I get to play Champions League. The players have top quality. I am not saying the Rangers players don’t, they have quality as well. It is a good step.
“Of course [I have had contact with my former team-mates]. We’re not just friends because of football!
“We’re friends because they’re good guys, I get along with them and we have a lot in common. Of course we speak.
“Not about football much because we have other things to talk about. I haven’t spoken to them leading up to this game but that’s normal.”
Bassey is guaranteed a warm welcome from the Ibrox crowd as he returns to the pitch where he has enjoyed some of the most memorable outings of a fledgling career.
The 22-year-old was a stalwart of the side that reached the Europa League final and secured the Scottish Cup last term before he won a dream move to Ajax.
There is only pride on the line in the final Group A encounter but Bassey will aware of what to expect as Van Bronckhorst’s side aim to avoid a pointless campaign.
Bassey said: “Ibrox is similar to the Amsterdam Arena, it is loud and jumpy and people will see it in this game and they can compare it.
“It is always a nice atmosphere here and I’m looking forward to it. The Rangers fans will be up for this game, as they are for every game.
“They will be wanting the team to win but we have to remain composed and remember what we have to do. We are here to do a job and we have to make sure we deliver.
“I don’t think I can just enjoy being back here, as I have to focus on the game.
“There will be media attention about me coming back but I have to do all I can for Ajax to get the result.
“Probably the Leipzig game [is my favourite memory of Ibrox]. That got us through to the final so it was very emotional especially with Jimmy Bell not being able to experience it.
“I’ll have some family here. I know a lot of people here and it will be nice to see them after the game because at the end of the day I’ve come here to do a job and I’ve got to stay focused and not focus on all the distractions.
“I’ll say hello to everyone but save the conversations for after the game and focus on the match.”
