Bougherra keen to return

Bougherra: Eyes return

Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra hopes to return from injury as soon as possible to help his side clinch the SPL title.

The 27-year-old Algerian centre-back has been sidelined for three to four weeks with a hamstring injury, meaning he will miss Sunday's League Cup final for the second successive season.

Rangers are currently 13 points above Old Firm rivals Celtic at the top of the table, and Bougherra is determined to come back and help his side secure the league trophy.

He said: "The injury is not that bad. I will be out for three or four weeks, but I want to be on the pitch if and when we win the championship.

"I need to rest and forget about the injury; you really can't do much with hamstrings.

"I am in France for a few days to rest, but I hope to be at Hampden to watch the final.

"I have played almost constantly for three years with club games and matches in Africa.

"Mentally, I need a rest too, but I will be back for the run-in and I can't wait."

The Gers take on St Mirren in the cup final at the weekend, with the SPL leaders expected to come out victorious at Hampden Park.

Bougherra admits he is disappointed to be missing out, but says Danny Wilson is an able deputy in central defence.

"I missed the final last year but I hope the boys can win it," he added.

"All my family were at the game last year and were due to come over again.

"If I don't play, I know there is less pressure on the team because we have

Danny Wilson.

"Danny is fantastic for his age; he needs games on this stage and I'm never afraid when he plays."