English Newspaper Daily Mail is reporting that Algeria’s international and Rangers defender, Madjid Bougherra has lost his battle with Algeria and will miss Rangers’ SPL title charge over the festive period, including the New Year showdown with Celtic.

• The newspaper continued “ The Ibrox wanted to put club before country by playing in three vital games over eight days against Hiberian, Dundee United and Celtic”, thing which Algerians, especially fans think it is unreasonable and Madjid Bougherra must put country before club by joining the national team in France for the training camp in the right time.
• It said that Sportsmail can confirm Rangers have received a letter from the Algerian Federation requesting him in France from December 27, the day Walter Smith’s side visit Easter Road. And last night Algeria assistant manager Zahier Dhjelloul confirmed: “We’ve asked our squad to meet up on December 27 for training camp in the south of France and we want all players there-without exception.That would include Madjid Bougherra and any other European players who have games for their clubs over that period.
• ‘We don’t believe we are being unreasonable with our request as almost every other African nation is taking the same stance.’
• It’s a huge blow to Rangers and Bougherra, who had earlier revealed: ‘I have asked the coach of Algeria if I can stay to play in the Old Firm match. I want to be there for these important games for Rangers. I am waiting for the response; I don’t know what he will say.’
• He does now, after national coach Rabah Saadane invoked FIFA rules that entitle him to call up players 14 days before Algeria’s first game in the African Nations Cup against Malawi on January 11.
• When Bougherra does arrive in Africa – to take on hosts Angola, Mali and Malawi – he will once again face Fredi Kanoute, the Sevilla striker who settled Wednesday’s Champions League showdown in Spain.
• And the Ibrox defender wants to get his own back for that defeat by helping Algeria beat Kanoute’s Mali side.
• ‘Kanoute is a very good player and he did well for Sevilla,’ added Bougherra. ‘He is a good person and I know him. It’s a different game in the African Nations, as you play for the flag in these tournaments.’
• Previously, same newspaper said Bougherra’s future could become one of the club’s major decisions in January, even though the defender will be on African Nations Cup duty at the time.
• Coach Rabah Saadan’s men have first to think of the African Cup before moving to preparations for the World Cup 2010.  
• Yet, Bougherra has to do the same thing before thinking of any European club.