Rangers FC

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Madjid gets top backing

16 Feb 2010 - 13:17:03

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Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra has received a glowing reference from Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi following his performances at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Bougherra helped Algeria reach the semi-finals of the competition before they were hammered 4-0 by fierce rivals and eventual winners Egypt.

Despite the loss, Xavi paid special attention to the former Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic man.

Speaking to reporters, he said: "Bougherra would be able to play for us. I watched some of Algeria's matches on TV and was surprised by his work. He defends very well but is also strong going forward.

"That's exactly the style of play Pep Guardiola (Barceloan coach) likes."

Meanwhile, Rangers boss Walter Smith will be wanting his players to be careful in the coming games with two of his key men walking a suspension tightrope.

Top scorer Kris Boyd and Kevin Thomson are one caution away from picking up one-game bans after seeing yellow in Sunday's 3-0 win against Hibernian.

With St Johnstone to play at McDiarmid Park on Saturday, only a red card for one his first-team stars would see them miss the Old Firm derby against Celtic on February 28.