PLAYERS AFTER EUROPA AGONY

Seville, Bassey stepped out to left-back yesterday and was no less impressive for the switch.

Signed by Steven Gerrard as a raw prospect two summers ago, the 22-year-old has blossomed under the tutelage of Van Bronckhorst and is attracting interest from England.

‘I’m a big fan of Calvin, his first action in this stadium when I watched him was the loss to Hibs,’ continued the former Feyenoord chief. ‘But I saw something in him that you rarely see at his age. He’s mature, strong and powerful.

‘It’s a pleasure for me to work

with him and to work with him in future to make him stronger.

‘His development this season has been tremendous, especially with Europe. Today, he was impressive again. He’s had great end to the season.’

Having proved his knock-out credentials, Van Bronckhorst now has the summer to try and figure a way through the Champions League qualifiers.

First he intends to take a short but hard-earned break.

He added: ‘My first six months here have been hectic. We’ve had two games a week and it’s been very demanding for players, myself and staff. We need a rest now but it’s nice to win silverware. That’s what it’s all about.

‘The Europa run was amazing with the fans. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the trophy but I’m proud of everyone involved for the campaign.

‘It’s always good to win prizes. I told the players today that we could win something and get a reward for all our hard work over the last months.

‘I was happy with the performance. In extra-time, we looked quite strong again and you could feel the game was going our way.

‘I’m very proud of the team, we end the season with a trophy, which is very positive.

‘We now have a big break, a rest and start all over again in five weeks. It will be another season and chances to win prizes again.’

The build-up to the final came in very difficult circumstances