In-demand Calvin Bassey reckons his upturn in type at Rangers impressed by his shock absence from the Nigeria AFCON squad.
Ibrox teammates Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun have been each included within the 28-man listing for the Cameroon event.
However Bassey might solely watch from residence as The Tremendous Eagles crashed out within the final 16.
The defender put his give attention to Rangers and beneath Gio van Bronckhorst he loved a fast enchancment in type after the snub in February.
He performed a key function within the run to the Europa League closing and Scottish Cup closing victory.
That has now seen a large £25million price ticket positioned on Bassey with golf equipment throughout Europe monitoring his progress.
Aston Villa look like main the race as Steven Gerrard eyes up a reunion with Bassey within the English Premier League, nonetheless golf equipment in Serie A and the Bundesliga have additionally been credited with an curiosity.
And Bassey places that enchancment in his type right down to lacking out on the most important event.
He instructed NFF : "Clearly it was very disappointing.
I knew I simply wanted to work more durable and simply check out my recreation and hopefully I am guessing that is why I am right here.
"Hopefully I've finished that and caught the coaches' eyes."
Having performed at centre-back and left-back for each membership and nation, Bassey additionally admitted he had no desire on the place he's utilised subsequent time period.
He added: "I at all times get requested this however me, I similar to to play soccer.
"So wherever the supervisor places me, striker, I'm going to go there and provides all the pieces I've received."