Defender admits he owes Walter Smith and targets trophies as perfect way to repay the Rangers manager.

Madjid Bougherra has paid tribute to Walter Smith and admitted that the Rangers boss has transformed his fortunes. The Algerian defender pledged to repay his manager’s faith in him and said he will delay his trip to the African Cup of Nations so he can play in the Old Firm match on January 3.

“I want to play in the Celtic game,” Bougherra declared.

“Now I’ve come back and I’ll do the right thing for Rangers. I know Celtic is a big game and I’ll be there.”

Bougherra had been dropped for Wednesday night’s Champions League defeat following his late return from international duty with Algeria. The defender had helped his country qualify for the World Cup finals but for the third time this season he had failed to report back to his club on time.

Smith left Bougherra out of the first team on Wednesday and team-mates Kenny Miller and Lee McCulloch had both criticised the player. However, Bougherra sought to make amends by praising his manager and saying he wanted to help his team to three domestic trophies this season.

“The gaffer now understands and everything is OK,” Bougherra insisted

“I told him I’ll do whatever I need to do for him. I told him I’ll do everything I can to make things perfect.”

“I spoke to the gaffer and I have 100 per cent respect for him and everything he does. It is because of the gaffer I am going to the World Cup finals.

“He has given me confidence and helped me. I accept anything he does and I want him to be happy with me. He has made me a better player and given me so much. I want to succeed at Rangers and do what I can for him.

“My objective with Rangers now is to win the three trophies here. Last year we won the Double, now we want the Treble.”