Bougherra fit for World Cup

Madjid Bougherra has declared himself fit for Algeria's World Cup campaign. The Rangers defender, who missed the end of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League season with a calf injury, took part in his country's training session on Thursday ahead of Friday night's friendly with the Republic of Ireland. The 27-year-old will sit that game out, but said in the Scottish Sun: "I am fine now and there will be no problem for the World Cup. I won't play against Ireland but I will play next week (against UAE) and everything is good with the injury." He added: "There's no danger of me missing our opening game against Slovenia. "I've had problems with the calf injury but everything is good now. I didn't do a full session on Thursday night but I will train with the boys for the first time on Monday. "They're being careful with me but I'll play in Germany next Friday."

Source: PA