Madjid Bougherra is top of the stops as Algeria defender lands Rangers Player of the Year prize

Algerian defender Madjid Bougherra was named Rangers Player of the Year at a ceremony in Glasgow last night.

• The former Sheffield Wednesday stopper has been a solid performer in his debut season at Ibrox, helping the club to second place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, just a point off leaders Celtic with four games remaining.
• Bougherra, a £2.5million signing from Charlton last summer, has played 34 matches for the Light Blues this season and has been the cornerstone of the meanest defence in the Scottish top flight.
• The 26-year-old admitted his delight at receiving the award, which is voted for by the club’s supporters.
• ‘It was a surprise to me that I won because the likes of Steven Davis, Pedro Mendes and big Davie Weir were all in contention,’ Bougherra said.
• ‘Allan McGregor and Kris Boyd were there too and each one of those players could have won it instead of me.
• ‘I am very pleased because if the fans vote for you to win, it means you have done very well.
• ‘I’ve given everything for the team and I want to win the title.
• ‘This is the biggest night of my career. When you win trophies like these, you have more motivation to win the title with the team as well.’
• Midfielder Steven Davis missed out on the top award but was nevertheless recognised by his team-mates as he took home the Players’ Player of the Year award.
• ‘I’m really chuffed,’ said Davis.
• ‘It’s really good to have your fellow professionals voting for you like that.
• ‘I’ve put a lot of effort in throughout the season and I’m really pleased they recognise that.’
• Midfielder Pedro Mendes received the award for goal of the season for his effort in the 4-2 win over Celtic in August, while Kris Boyd received the Sam English Bowl as the club’s top goalscorer and John Fleck retained the Young Player of the Year award.