Rangers hopeful over Bougherra

04 December 2010 15:30

Rangers are hopeful that Madjid Bougherra will be fit for their final Champions League encounter against Bursaspor.

The Algeria defender has not played since the 2-0 victory over Aberdeen on November 13 after suffering a hamstring injury, but he is set to bolster Walter Smith's defence in Turkey on Tuesday, perhaps along with Sasa Papac, who has been missing through a head injury.

Assistant manager Ally McCoist told Blues News: "Madjid is a lot better, he has been running and hopefully he'll be available. He'll travel with us to Turkey, hopefully."

However, Maurice Edu looks unlikely to take his place in midfield as he battles a knee problem.

McCoist added: "Mo Edu is coming on nicely as well. I'm the eternal optimist, I would hope Papac and certainly Bougherra will be involved. It might be slightly early for Edu but we will give them every opportunity we can.

"I would be disappointed if we didn't have one or two involved in the travelling party."

Defender Andy Webster is still out of contention as he bids to come back from the hamstring and groin injuries that have ruined his season.

But striker James Beattie is set to step up his comeback from a hip injury.

"Beatts has been training with the lads and working very hard outside and in the gymnasium," McCoist said. "Beatts has quite enjoyed the intensity of the training to get his fitness back up.

"Andy is jogging at the moment but he is still a little bit away."

Source: PA