Bougherra accused of disrespect by Miller

Published on Monday 23 November 2009 22:57

KENNY Miller has expressed his dismay at Madjid Bougherra's latest failure to report back from international duty on time and believes the Algerian defender has shown a lack of respect to his Rangers team-mates.

Bougherra looks likely to be left out of the Rangers side by manager Walter Smith for tonight's crucial Champions League fixture against VfB Stuttgart at Ibrox, a match the SPL title holders must win to retain any hope of reaching the last 16 of the tournament.

Smith would not confirm Bougherra's exclusion yesterday as he prepared to hold talks with the player over his late return to Scotland after helping Algeria reach the World Cup finals last Wednesday night.

But the Rangers manager again indicated he will have no qualms over 17-year-old Danny Wilson retaining his place in the side at Bougherra's expense.

It is clear that Bougherra's conduct has earned not only Smith's disapproval but that of the other Rangers players. The former Charlton Athletic player finally reported back for training at Murray Park on Sunday morning, having been set a deadline of Friday evening by Smith, who allowed him to attend Algeria's World Cup qualification celebrations on Thursday.

Scotland forward Miller yesterday insisted Bougherra's behaviour was inexcusable.

Asked if the Algerian had been disrespectful to his club team-mates, Miller replied: "In a way, yes. If you are given a time to come back, you come back. It's as simple as that.

"There would never be a problem on that front with any of the Scotland or Northern Ireland lads when we go away on international duty. So I don't see why it should happen just because you are foreign. Fair enough, they (Algeria] qualified for the World Cup, but you have a job to do at the end of the day. It's no excuse.

"Rangers pay our wages and when we are asked to come back, we have to come back.

"It is disappointment because we want Madjid playing in the team. There is no doubt that he is one of our best players. He has been a big performer for us. So when he doesn't come back on time, which is playing havoc with him being in the team, then that is obviously disappointing for us."

Miller also revealed that Bougherra had made no attempt to explain himself to his team-mates since his return, a factor that Smith is unlikely to ignore as he assesses what course of action to take.

"I have not spoken to Madjid yet," said Smith. "I was busy yesterday, so I didn't get a chance to speak to him in full. I will do so after training today. You will have to wait until tomorrow night to find out whether he plays or not.

"I don't think it would be a great problem either way. He's OK, he is back and is training. We'll just need to wait and see. It will be my decision as to what happens.

"You can't say Madjid has not been a committed player for Rangers when he has played.

"Players coming back later than they should from international duty is not just a problem for Rangers, but this has happened a couple of times before with Madjid. It is up to me to decide what we do and I will do that."

The form of Wilson, who was outstanding on his European debut for Rangers in the 1-1 draw against Unirea Urziceni in Bucharest three weeks ago, has unquestionably made it easier for Smith to consider leaving Bougherra out tonight.

"Danny has done really well and I don't think there is an issue over whether he is ready to play against Stuttgart," said Smith. "The only problem is that, as a defender, you will make errors along the way. As part of his learning process, he will make errors. But there are vastly experienced defenders who make errors from time to time.

"There will be a spell when Danny goes out of the team for a spell before coming back in, but that won't necessarily be on Tuesday night."

Rangers have a fresh injury concern over Steven Naismith, who sustained calf and hamstring damage during Saturday's 3-0 league win over Kilmarnock at Ibrox and is considered a serious doubt by Smith. The Rangers manager isn't helped by the fact that Frenchman Jerome Rothen, who would be a potential replacement for Naismith in a wide midfield position, has definitely been ruled out by a sinus problem.