Hibs green light for Bougherra

However he will almost certainly miss the new year Old Firm derby.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.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.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.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.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.Bougherra told his club's official website: "I want to play as many games as possible for Rangers before the African Cup of Nations."I have done my best to get permission for more matches but there are rules saying I need to report to the Algeria squad."I have at least been given authorisation to play against Hibs and I am very pleased about that."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." Rangers 2/9, Draw 5/1, Motherwell 12/1  

Source: Team_Talk