Rangers pull the plug on move for Kerkar

The 23-year-old impressed Rangers manager Walter Smith during a lengthy trial spell and the Scottish champions tried to sign him under the impression that he was a free agent.

However, French third division club Guegnon are seeking compensation for Kerkar, who left them in the summer.

Smith said: "Unfortunately for the lad we can't get a decision from FIFA in terms of compensation. Guegnon have released him, but they are still claiming compensation. So, while this situation remains the same, we won't be taking him."

Madjid Bougherra, Rangers' Algerian international defender, is disappointed to see Kerkar return to France in pursuit of a new club. "It's a shame because Kerkar is a talented player and a really nice lad," Bougherra said. "While he was on trial, it was my job to look after him and help him and we got on well. It's really unfortunate for the player."

Meanwhile, Andrew Little admits his versatility is proving to be more of a hindrance than a help as he bids to hold down a place at Rangers. The 21-year-old made his second appearance this term in last night's 2-0 win over Kilmarnock in the Co-operative Insurance Cup. He marked the occasion with a superb opening goal, before Steven Naismith sealed the win for the holders in the second half.

Little played both right midfield and as a striker during the tie at Rugby Park and conceded his overall performance was not quite up to scratch. Smith revealed afterwards that he has yet to determine what Little's best position is and the Northern Irishman reckons that is his biggest problem.

He said: "It's good to have the versatility but, at the same time, I feel like I really have to concentrate on one in order to become good enough to knock people out of the team.

"At the moment, the players who are playing in the positions ahead of me, I don't expect to be playing in front of them. It's Kenny Miller up front, Steven Whittaker at right-back and Steven Naismith at right midfield and I don't expect to be playing in front of those guys at the minute.

"It's expected because the team is doing so well. I don't expect to play when the team is winning and the players are playing well. For me, personally, it's a matter of training hard and trying to impress the manager and being ready if I do get my chance."

Asked what he believes his best position to be, Little said: "I honestly don't know. It's a weird one. I've been playing a lot this season at right-back and it looks like that's where I might end up. I was thrown in at right midfield for this game and they changed it around a bit and I felt slightly more comfortable up front.

"To be honest, it just wasn't a great game for me apart from the goal.I've played all three of those positions for Northern Ireland, so it's nothing new to me. I'm 21 now and I haven't had a regular game for a while, so I know I have to get the games sooner rather than later."

As well as defending their Clydesdale Bank Premier League title and competing in the domestic cups, Rangers are also looking to extend their run in the Champions League, having remained unbeaten in all competitions so far.

Such a gruelling fixture schedule means Smith will no doubt have to make full use of his compact squad and Little hopes this is the season he finally makes the breakthrough.

He said: "You don't hope for injuries at any time, but it's obviously going to work in our (the younger players') favour and hopefully I can get in there."