Source: Team_Talk
Hibs green light for Bougherra
However he will almost certainly miss the new year Old Firm derby.[LNB]Bougherra, 29, had been hoping to convince national team boss Rabah Saadane to allow him to skip the start of his country's pre-African Nations Cup training camp.[LNB]He has now been afforded a few hours' grace, with Rangers due to play at Hibs in the SPL on December 27, the day the Algeria squad are due to meet up.[LNB]The African Nations Cup begins on January 10 and, under FIFA rules, international sides are allowed to summon players from their clubs a fortnight before major tournaments.[LNB]It seemed Bougherra would be absent for next weekend's trip to Easter Road, the venue where he scored his only goal of last season in a 3-0 win.[LNB]But he will be free to turn out in Edinburgh, although it remains unlikely he will face Dundee United or Celtic on December 30 and January 3, respectively.[LNB]Bougherra told his club's official website: "I want to play as many games as possible for Rangers before the African Cup of Nations.[LNB]"I have done my best to get permission for more matches but there are rules saying I need to report to the Algeria squad.[LNB]"I have at least been given authorisation to play against Hibs and I am very pleased about that.[LNB]"It is an away match which will be very difficult. In many ways it is like a derby so I am happy I'm going to be available for it."[LNB][LNB] Rangers 2/9, Draw 5/1, Motherwell 12/1
