Brahim staying at Gers

Jul 6 2008 By Gavin Berry

BRAHIM HEMDANI looks set to stay at Rangers despite being continually linked with a move away from Ibrox.

The French-Algerian star wanted to leave last August with Osasuna showing an interest but the move was blocked by the club as the Champions League group stage loomed.

It's understood the midfielder even switched agents last season in a bid to earn a transfer to England but Gers No.2 Ally McCoist insists he's due to join the rest of the squad at their pre-season training base.

Hemdani has just 12 months left on the four-year deal he signed when former boss Alex McLeish landed him on a Bosman from Marseille in 2005.

Walter Smith used the 30-year-old sparingly in domestic matches last season but he played an important role in the stunning European campaign that saw Rangers blaze a trail to the UEFA Cup Final.

Hemdani was expected to leave this summer after making his international debut for Algeria in end-of-season World Cup qualifiers.

But assistant gaffer McCoist claims that now looks unlikely.

He said: "I got hold of Brahim on the phone. His season was extended playing for Algeria so he will join up with us before we go to Germany or just see us over there.

"It was funny last season - it looked as if he was getting wheeled out just for European games. You could look at it a few ways. If it was me I'd take it as a compliment - I always like to look at the positive side."