In-demand Calvin Bassey reckons his upturn in form at Rangers inspired by his shock absence from the Nigeria AFCON squad.
Ibrox teammates Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun were both included in the 28-man list for the Cameroon tournament.
But Bassey could only watch from home as The Super Eagles crashed out in the last 16.
The defender put his focus on Rangers and under Gio van Bronckhorst he enjoyed a rapid improvement in form after the snub in February.
He played a key role in the run to the Europa League final and Scottish Cup final victory.
That has now seen a massive £25million price tag placed on Bassey with clubs across Europe monitoring his progress.
Aston Villa appear to be leading the race as Steven Gerrard eyes up a reunion with Bassey in the English Premier League, however clubs in Serie A and the Bundesliga have also been credited with an interest.
And Bassey puts that improvement in his form down to missing out on the major tournament.
He told NFF : "Obviously it was very disappointing.
I knew I just needed to work harder and just try out my game and hopefully I'm guessing that's why I'm here.
"Hopefully I've done that and caught the coaches' eyes."
Having played at centre-back and left-back for both club and country, Bassey also admitted he had no preference on where he is utilised next term.
He added: "I always get asked this but me, I just like to play football.
"So wherever the manager puts me, striker, I am going to go there and give everything I have got."
