Bougherra - No regrets

Bougherra: European dream

Madjid Bougherra insists Rangers' European failure has not created any feelings of regret over his move to Ibrox.

The former Charlton defender turned down a transfer to West Brom in favour of a switch to last season's Uefa Cup finalists and he confesses that the potential lure of European football was one of the decisive factors.

However, Rangers suffered a shock 2-1 aggregate defeat to Lithuanian outfit FBK Kaunas in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League last week to leave Walter Smith's side facing a season without any further European football.

Bougherra, though, is adamant he is not now wishing he had opted for a move to the Premier League.

Doubts

"I saw the game on Tuesday night but I had no doubts about having signed," said Bougherra.

"When you come here you know that Rangers will play every season in Europe, and it's a dream for the players.

"I was very disappointed sitting in my room. It was raining, and I didn't feel good.

"Afterwards it was brighter and I thought 'My contract is four years' - and we will win the championship and there will be no worries.

Dream

"Of course, European football was a big reason for me coming here.

"I saw the Uefa Cup final last year and I knew that there would be the chance of Champions League football every year, so it was a dream.

"I want to play in the Champions League next year. But I can wait for Europe - it's no problem. I am 25, so I have time to play in Europe.

"I never thought I had made a mistake. It was frustrating watching Rangers go out. But now it's behind us, and we're concentrating on the league and we want to win trophies."