Source: Team_Talk
Gers boss hopeful over Bougherra
Defender Bougherra has asked his national team to waive their right to force him to attend the start of their pre-African Nations Cup training camp, which begins on December 27.[LNB]His pleas have so far fallen on deaf ears, with Algeria assistant manager Zahier Djelloul saying no exceptions would be made to the 14-day release rule.[LNB]Smith said today: "I think the international teams' problem is if they let one stay then they have to let quite a number of them stay to play.[LNB]"We're still waiting the resolution of that but he has asked if he can stay until after the Old Firm game on January 3.[LNB]"So far, he has not been given permission to do so."[LNB]Smith added: "The Algerians have quite a few players playing (for clubs) in Britain and they're all going to be playing at that time.[LNB]"They've all asked if they can stay and play for their clubs, so we just have to wait and see what happens there."[LNB]Rangers have reportedly received a a letter from the Algerian Federation ordering Bougherra's December 27 arrival in France.[LNB]The Ibrox club play Hibs that afternoon, Dundee United three days later and Celtic on January 3.[LNB]Having previously been Scotland boss, Smith was asked if he could see both sides of the argument.[LNB]"Not really, no!" he joked.[LNB]"If they reach the final, they're not back until the 3rd or 4th of February.[LNB]"It's long spell away but when you sign an African player then you know that every couple of couple years you're going to have that loss.[LNB]"We just have to try to accommodate the loss of the player."[LNB]There have been reports Andy Webster could be recalled from a year-long loan at Dundee United, though the precise terms of his agreement are unclear.[LNB]The emergence of Danny Wilson will help make up for the loss of Bougherra, however, with Smith saying: "It does make it a little bit easier for us to lose someone like that.[LNB]"But, the fact that we lose a player, we've not got that big a group of players.[LNB]"So it counts badly against us."[LNB][LNB][LNB] Scottish Premier Winner 2009/10 Win Outright: Rangers 11/8
