Wilson keeps Rangers place due to Bougherra's late return

Published on Friday 20 November 2009 22:53

MADJID Bougherra will miss out on Rangers' attempt to return to the top of the SPL today after again being delayed on his return from international duty.

The defender, who has not played for the Scottish champions since the end of September, helped Algeria reach the World Cup finals on Wednesday night when they defeated their bitter rivals Egypt in an unexpected play-off in Sudan.

Bougherra, who also returned late from international duty last month, was not back at Murray Park in time for training yesterday. Rangers manager Walter Smith, however, had already prepared himself for being without the player for today's match against Kilmarnock at Ibrox.

"With Algeria having been forced into the extra game on Wednesday to qualify, we didn't really expect Madjid to be available this weekend," said Smith. "He should be back in time for the game, but was never likely to be involved after playing two matches in four days for Algeria after having been out injured for a few weeks. Next Tuesday night's Champions League game against Stuttgart was always a more likely target for Madjid."

It means 17-year-old Danny Wilson will continue in central defence today with Smith expressing his delight at the progress made by the highly-rated Scottish teenager.

"Danny has been doing really well and I'm sure he will continue to do so," said Smith. "He is not a boy without a bit of humility.

"He is a decent lad, very respectful of the more experienced players, and that's an important factor. I see him remaining well grounded and I don't think we will have any problems with him getting carried away."