Madjid Bougherra fits the bill

Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra has declared himself fit for Algeria's World Cup campaign.

Bougherra, who has been troubled by a calf injury, will sit out tonight's game with the Republic of Ireland but claims he will return for Algeria's final warm-up game, against UAE in Nuremberg, next Friday.

"I am fine now and there will be no problem for the World Cup," said Bougherra. "I won't play against Ireland but there's no danger of me missing our opening game against Slovenia. I've had problems with the calf injury but everything is good now. I will train with the boys for the first time on Monday."

Algeria face England in their second Group C match in South Africa and Bougherra is relishing testing himself against Wayne Rooney.

He said: "From the moment the World Cup finals draw was made six months ago, I've been looking forward to tackling Rooney. It's the ultimate test for any defender, just as tough as facing Messi or Ronaldo."