EXCLUSIVE: Bougherra intends to put Algeria before Rangers again

27 November 2009 01:34
Controversial defender Madjid Bougherra is on another collision course with Rangers as he once again intends to put country before club.[LNB]With his loyalty to the Ibrox side already being questioned following a third late return from international duty, Sportsmail has learned that Algeria intend to call on Bougherra's services a full two weeks ahead of their opening African Nations Cup match on January 11.[LNB]Under FIFA rules, the central defender is entitled to leave for the tournament on December 28 just 24 hours after Rangers meet Hibs at Easter Road in a televised fixture and ruling him out of the Old Firm derby on January 3 and up to four other SPL fixtures.[LNB] I'm off: Bougherra will leave two weeks before Algeria's African Nations Cup campaign begins[LNB]Manager Rabah Saadane told Sportsmail: 'Now that the draw has been made and we know our opponents, we can draw up a preparation programme.[LNB]'In this regard, I would stress that our preparation will begin as early as possible.It is a special moment for our players and this tournament will help us for the World Cup.'[LNB]Bougherra was dropped for the Champions League visit of Stuttgart this week as punishment for his latest act of tardiness which has been a source of frustration among team-mates. Yet Walter Smith's hands will be tied in this situation.[LNB]A FIFA spokesman confirmed: 'Regulations state that any country involved in the African Nations Cup tournament can call up their players 14 days before the first match.'[LNB]Bougherra's very future at Ibrox is open to question. In the wake oftheir European exit this week, Rangers are likely to be forced to sellplayers in January, with the defender, for all his faults off the park,one of their prize assets.[LNB]Admirer: Martinez would welcome Bougherra to the DW Stadium with open arms[LNB]Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is among many admirers but it is no certainty the player would agree to such a move, even if Rangers accepted a bid. Any negotiations would themselves be hampered by the player's African jaunt.[LNB]If Algeria, who beat Egypt in a World Cup play-off last week, were to reach the final of the African Nations Cup, then Bougherra would not be due back in Glasgow until the first week of February.[LNB]Bougherra's stance regarding his international career has upset his fellow players.[LNB]Kenny Miller has already criticised him over his late return.[LNB]Last night Lee McCulloch added: 'It is not really for me to say, but if it is the third time (he's returned late) then that isn't good enough. [LNB]'He has to show a bit more respect to his fellow players and the fans.'[LNB] 'You've let us down': Rangers' Miller hits out at team-mate BougherraRangers boss Smith poised for showdown talks with BougherraOver and out: Rangers cracked in the Ibrox heat, admits Walter SmithRANGERS FC

Source: Daily_Mail