Madjid Bougherra today admitted defeat in his bid to get clearance to play for Rangers in the Old Firm clash with Celtic next month.

Bougherra made a final plea to his national boss Rabah Saadane when he was back in Algeria to collect their Player of the Year award.

However, other than being allowed to play in the SPL match with Hibs at Easter Road on Sunday, he has been given no extra dispensation.

The 27-year-old centre half will have to meet up with the rest of his national team-mates in Paris after that game in Edinburgh to begin preparations for the African Cup of Nations.

It is a major blow to Gers boss Walter Smith, who had hoped to have the Rangers Player of the Year available for the Glasgow derby game with the Hoops at Parkhead on January 3.

Bougherra said: “It’s clear I would especially like to play against Celtic. The Old Firm game is very special in Scotland and it’s a huge match for Rangers.

“The club asked f I could remain in Glasgow until January 3, but the Algerian federation have only agreed to let me play against Hibs.

“After that, I will travel to meet up with the squad by December 28 at the latest.”

Meanwhile, Smith is ready to open contract talks with DaMarcus Beasley.

The USA international looked to be heading OUT of Ibrox just last month. But after being given one last chance, Beasley has salvaged his Gers career in spectacular style.