Source: Team_Talk
Smith expects Bougherra back for business
Rangers manager Walter Smith has never had any indication from Madjid Bougherra that the defender wants to leave Ibrox.[LNB] Smith expects the Algeria international back in Glasgow before Rangers leave for their pre-season tour of Australia on July 20.[LNB]Bougherra tested Smith's patience during an injury-hit season last term when he twice reported back late from international duty.[LNB]But the Rangers manager expects the former Charlton player to be reinvigorated by his World Cup exploits and is keen to hold onto the player after agreeing a more acceptable financial plan with Lloyds Banking Group.[LNB]The 62-year-old told www.rangersfc.co.uk: "Madjid will return to Murray Park just before we leave for Australia and so he will travel with us.[LNB]"We have made it quite clear to everyone that, given the size of our group, we don't want to sell anyone.[LNB]"In Madjid's case I keep reading in newspapers that he is going to leave but he doesn't say that when he is here so we don't really know what sort of situation we are going to get.[LNB]"He has been a good player for us. He didn't play as often last season as we would have hoped but hopefully he will come back fully fit after his efforts in the World Cup."[LNB]Meanwhile, Kris Boyd has revealed he chose to join Middlesbrough because the Coca-cola Championship club offered his best chance of regular football.[LNB]The striker was offered a new deal by Rangers and was linked with Blackburn, Newcastle, Birmingham and Bolton as well as a move abroad, but signed a two-year deal on Teesside instead.[LNB]He told mfc.co.uk: "There were other options abroad and in England, but for me the most important thing was to come and play football.[LNB]"There was no point in going anywhere that I might not be a first choice. I've got a great chance to play here and a big challenge.[LNB]"I felt the challenge here was better than the one playing at the bottom of the Premier League and struggling every week, probably playing one up front.[LNB]"The majority of people in Scotland want to play football in England, as it's a chance to enjoy the best possible facilities, especially at a club like Middlesbrough.[LNB]"In Scotland, you're playing the same teams three or four times a season and that can get a bit boring after period of time."[LNB]
