Source: Team_Talk
Bougherra to miss Rangers cup clash
Algeria defender Bougherra has been allowed a few days off to recover from his African Nations Cup exertions and will return to Murray Park on Thursday ahead of this weekend's Active Nation Scottish Cup tie at St Mirren.[LNB]Bougherra, who has reported back late from international duty three times this season, had been linked with a transfer deadline day move to Sunderland.[LNB]But manager Smith was not expecting any major movement in or out of Ibrox before the transfer window closes at midnight.[LNB]That means there will be no replacements for departed midfielders Pedro Mendes or Jerome Rothen, amid reports Smith failed in a bid to sign Ricardo Quaresma on loan from Inter Milan.[LNB]It also means top scorer Kris Boyd will stay put, while the return of Bougherra after his month away with his country in Angola will almost be like making a new signing.[LNB]Smith told his club's official website: "Madjid won't play this midweek.[LNB]"It's always asking a bit much of any player who has been away for the length of time he has been to come straight back in.[LNB]"He has been over in Angola playing in the tournament there so he'll return here for training later in the week then be available for the weekend."[LNB]Kenny Miller, meanwhile, has been given an outside chance of featuring against Saints at Hampden on Wednesday night - and Smith has stressed there are no long-term concern over his hamstring injury.[LNB]Scotland striker Miller has been plagued by what had appeared to be the same problem for a number of months.[LNB]But the Gers boss insists that is not the case and is adamant the issue is only flaring up now because of the intense match schedule Rangers are currently involved in.[LNB]Smith added: "There's a slight chance we could have Kenny back for the St Johnstone match.[LNB]"We brought him back last Wednesday at St Mirren in the league and it wasn't the right time for him so we'll make sure he is okay before he plays again.[LNB]"The situation is getting better every day.[LNB]"It might be that our next game comes too early for him but we will wait and see.[LNB]"It's not the same problem that keeps coming back for Kenny and it's actually a bit different from the one he had before.[LNB]"The run of games we've had every Wednesday and Saturday hasn't helped him, especially as he's an explosive sort of player.[LNB]"His hamstring is tightening up just now because of a hip problem he has.[LNB]"But once we get back to having one game a week, it should settle down."[LNB]Meanwhile, Rangers have let 22-year-old striker Steven Lennon join Lincoln on loan for the rest of the season and 21-year-old midfielder Paul Emslie move to Peterhead until May.[LNB]Lennon, who has made three SPL substitute appearances for the Light Blues, came through the ranks at Murray Park and spent a spell at Partick Thistle last season.[LNB]He has, however, struggled to break into Smith's plans and could earn a permanent move if he can impress in Lincolnshire.[LNB]Emslie, who is out of contract in the summer, has managed only one first-team appearance during an injury-affected spell at Rangers.[LNB][LNB]
