Boss backs Bencherif's bid

Bencherif: Currently sidelined

Macclesfield Town manager Keith Alexander insists Algerian defender Hamza Bencherif is more than good enough to play at next summer's World Cup.

However, the 21-year-old's dreams of playing in South Africa could be quashed as he faces a long spell on the sidelines.

Former Lincoln City boss Alexander believes there is still a chance of him playing for the club this season, aiding his international cause, but admits it is a slim one.

"He has done very well, in both midfield and at the back, and he was on the verge of the Algerian national side with the World Cup in mind, so it is a real blow for both the club and him," Alexander told skysports.com.

"We don't think he will play again this season, so his World Cup dream could be over, but you never know how quickly he will recover. He may make a miraculous recovery and still have a chance.

"I reckon he is good enough to grace that stage, but it is hard to say considering the level he is playing at.

Improving

"He has played at Under-20s and Under-21s level for them, so they know what he is all about and everyone knows that when you step up to play with better players you become a better player yourself.

"I'm sure he would have had a good chance of getting into the squad."

The young defender was snapped up from Nottingham Forest over the summer and Alexander is well aware that he is on the radar of a number of potential suitors.

"We knew that there were people looking at him before the Algerian contingent came over, but that is the same for a number of our young players," he added.

"That is the nature of the job we are in and you do want your players to progress and play at the highest level possible, if not with you then with somebody else."