BBC Sportfootball

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 17:27 GMT, Friday, 7 November 2008

Smith says January exits possible

Madjid Bougherra
Bougherra says he does not expect to be leaving Rangers in January

Walter Smith says he is more likely to trim his squad in January, rather than bring in new faces.

The Rangers manager says that, at 28 players strong, there is no need to add to his pool.

"We've got a big group of players, so we could lose a few, but it's not really that necessary for us to bring anyone in," said Smith.

"If people are not getting a game, they aren't going to be that happy at not playing and may want to leave."

Smith said newspapers were "free to speculate" following newspaper reports that veteran striker Jean-Claude Darcheville could be returning to France.

Another player who had been rumoured to be moving on to Marseille is defender Madjid Bougherra.

However, the Algerian international scoffed at the suggestion he would be leaving Ibrox after just half a season.

"I signed here only in the last two months and it's a big club with a nice stadium and nice fans," said Bougherra.

MY SPORT: DEBATE

"When you play at Ibrox, it's fantastic and there is a great atmosphere."

And the former Charlton player said he wants to achieve his goal of playing in the Champions League with Rangers.

"Everything is perfect for me," he said. "I know where I am from and this, for me, is a big club. I came here to win the title and to play in the Champions League. There is no problem.

"Knowing that I can play in the Champions League next year is very important. It's my first dream after the World Cup."



Print Sponsor


related bbc links:

related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites