IT is absolutely vital that Rangers keep Madjid Bougherra - he has been the cornerstone of the Rangers defence since he arrived and I would imagine that Walter Smith would want to build his side around the player.

The past week must have been a frustrating one for Walter because every time he has picked up a paper, he will have seen stories linking Bougherra with a move away from the club.

But to be absolutely honest, I think that it isn't a move to France that the defender would jump at, but a move to the Premiership.

Rangers' resolve might be tested if one of the big clubs from down south make a move for the Algerian and are prepared to pay big money.

Then the player himself might start making noises about going.

However, at the minute I think he is happy to stay at Ibrox and play Champions League football this season.

One of the big worries that Walter will have is the thought of someone sneaking in with just a few days of the window remaining open. That way, he could lose a key player and wouldn't have much time to go out and get a replacement.

I would imagine that he will have his eye on someone that could come in and replace him, should that scenario unfold, but the problem is that players like Bougherra do not come cheaply.

Last season when Carlos Cuellar left, we all thought that was it and that Rangers wouldn't be able to replace him without spending a fortune.

They were able to get Bougherra, but they were very lucky to get a guy who has gelled very quickly into the team and doing that again would be next to impossible.

I think that Bougherra has brought out the best in Davie Weir and keeping him is imperative to enjoying a successful season.

Rangers and David Murray are saying all the right things and it is important that they are because the fans need to know that the club are serious about keeping their best players.

If it transpires that someone comes in with crazy money, then that is a different matter and that applies to any player at either Rangers or Celtic - that has been the case for some time.

There is not the same pressure that was on the club to sell as there was this time last year when they really needed the cash from the sale of Cuellar.

It enabled them to go out and bring in guys like Pedro Mendes and Steve Davis and Kyle Lafferty, signings that played a big part in them going on to win the title.

Having done that and gained access to the Champions League this summer, there is not the same pressure to sell and while Bougherra will probably eventually go at some stage to the Premiership, Rangers need to make sure that it is not this season.

I still think that there are too many players at the club and that Walter will need to sell a couple to trim the wage bill and keep things tight, but at the same time if he sells one or two, then he might also be able to bring in a player in time for the new season.

The likes of Charlie Adam and DaMarcus Beasley I think are players that he would certainly let go, while I still think there is a question mark over Kris Boyd. If someone put money on the table for him then Rangers may take it.

Walter's problem is that he wants to bring in a few new faces but he can't do that unless he knows it is players who are ready to go straight into the first-team and bring in a little bit more quality.

But to get that, you have to spend a bit of money and right now it just isn't there. Youths worthy of their chance

THINGS have changed since my day and I think it is hard for young players to break into the first-team at either half of the Old Firm, but Rangers have the right idea in terms of thinking about moving out of the reserve league.

I don't think that it does anyone much good and the fact is Rangers need to have players who are getting a taste of some competitive games.

If that means farming young players out to lower league clubs then great, because they will get some real experience there, but equally I think arranging bounce games is also beneficial.

I know that Rangers played a lot of games against Premiership reserve teams behind closed doors last season.

Those games were enjoyed hugely by the players involved because they were a chance to play against bright young things from down south.

David Murray said this week that it is time for the club to start making full use of Murray Park by giving some young players a chance and he is absolutely correct.

As such, I think this is a massive season for a handful of players that are there just now.

The likes of John Fleck came through last season, but guys like Steven Lennon and Jamie Ness and Danny Wilson will be hoping for a chance this term.

I felt a bit sorry for Fleck because within a month of his debut, there was a clamour to get him capped at full international level.

But the good thing is he will have learned a lot from that kind of pressure, and will realise playing at Rangers is as much about mental development as it is about ability. Tranquil Glenn had a moment of madness

I READ with interest Glenn Loovens' comments this week about his tackle on Maurice Edu and the bottom line is I don't believe a word it!

I was in the game too long to know that his little sidekick a second after Edu had played the ball was deliberate - I don't think there is any doubt about that.

I don't think Loovens is a dirty player, but every player can have a mad moment and that was one of his.

He is simply attempting to talk his way out of a ban, but I am sure that he will find himself suspended at the start of the season.

Kyle Lafferty, I am certain, will get a two-match ban for his role in getting Charlie Mulgrew sent off in that game against Aberdeen last season and Loovens will cop the same punishment.

If the referee had seen Loovens' challenge I honestly think it could have been a red card and I think the SFA will take action next month, regardless of what he has to say for himself.