By Barney Cullum

Bouazza was a key man in Angola but will not be going to South Africa

Algeria's Hameur Bouazza says he is shocked at being left out of his country's preliminary World Cup squad.

The Blackpool winger was overlooked despite being one of Algeria's few established goalscorers.

Coach Rabah Saadane drafted in three uncapped former French junior internationals, leaving no place for the more established Bouazza.

"I've got nothing against the new players but I'm disappointed with the manager," Bouazza told BBC Sport.

"The manager did not call me or come to see me to explain things to me like a professional.

"I have always worked hard for Algeria - I feel like I have been hit with a baseball bat."

Bouazza played in Algeria's World Cup play-off against Egypt and scored Algeria's winning goal against Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

"I've been through things with them - I should be with the squad and I am not."

He insists he has recovered from the groin injury that has dogged him since he returned from Angola.

"Some other players are injured but they have still been called to the squad and are getting treatment.

"I do not think my injury is as big as theirs and I think I can still play."

Saadane admitted last week he had found selecting his squad "a headache".

Bouazza says he will still support Algeria in South Africa and has been comforted by the support of his international colleagues.

"Some of my team mates are shocked that I have not been called up," he said.

Algeria face England, USA and Slovenia in Group C of the World Cup.

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