Source: Team_Talk
Bougherra would consider new deal
The defender apparently caught the eye of both the Catalan giants and fellow La Liga side Sevilla while on international duty with Algeria at the African Nations Cup.[LNB]He has endured speculation about his future throughout most of his time at Rangers and refused to comment on the reports that he could be set for a move to the Nou Camp.[LNB]Instead, he says his focus is on helping the Scottish champions retain the Scottish Premier League title this season.[LNB]And Bougherra suggested he may have a future at Ibrox beyond the end of his current contract when he claimed he would be open to the possibility of penning a new deal.[LNB]Asked if he would consider such a scenario if Rangers were to table a contract extension, he replied: "Yes, of course."[LNB]He added: "I'm concentrating on my football. We will see after the World Cup.[LNB]"I don't know what will happen, if I will sign a new contract with Rangers.[LNB]"I concentrate on Rangers. If I win the title and do better and do well, this can be a good thing for me."[LNB]But he admits the constant speculation over his future is more of a help than a hindrance.[LNB]He said: "When you play on the pitch, you play with your heart and you give everything and some people may have a good report about you.[LNB]"It's a big motivation for me and it's good for Rangers.[LNB]"When I was at the African Nations Cup, I did my best for my country but I play for Rangers so I represent them both. I will keep doing my best and trying to progress."[LNB]Bougherra was adamant that the reported interest from Spain was down to his performances, rather than his representatives working behind the scenes to boost his profile.[LNB]He said: "I think it's about my job on the pitch. That's it. My agent is away. I'm here and I want to win the title again."[LNB]Rangers saw their advantage over Celtic at the summit of the SPL reduced to eight points when they were held to a draw at Motherwell on Wednesday night.[LNB]And, although unhappy with the state of the pitch, Bougherra insists the playing surface was no excuse for dropping points.[LNB]He said: "We are happy to take a point because of the condition of the game and it was very hard to play football.[LNB]"Some parts of the pitch, your foot could stay in the pitch and you could twist your knee. But we did our best to concentrate on the game and be careful with the pitch.[LNB]"It was no excuse because both teams have the same pitch."[LNB]And he believes the result should act as a warning to Rangers that there is still a long way to go in the title race.[LNB]He said: "Last year, remember, we were seven points behind Celtic for a long time and in the end we won the championship. We have to be very careful because football is so quick.[LNB]"It's good to have this now because it shows the players that we have to be very careful. It was 10 points and now it's eight.[LNB]"On Sunday we have a big game against Hibs and it's going to be very important for the confidence, for the fans and for us to keep going going well and stay away from Celtic."[LNB]However, he disagreed with claims by Celtic striker Marc-Antoine Fortune that Rangers were beginning to "crack" under the pressure.[LNB]"I don't think we have pressure, no," said Bougherra.[LNB]"We are more comfortable, we have more confidence. But if you think you can be champions with eight points, no, this is wrong.[LNB]"We are hungry and, personally, I want to take more points and keep Celtic away.[LNB]"We want to do everything to win the title. We are confident - but we have to be hungry game after game."[LNB][LNB] How far Will Rangers win the League By. Click here to bet.
