Mad set up hotline to Brahim

Aug 10 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

BRAHIM HEMDANI admits Rangers new boy Madjid Bougherra phoned him TEN times before moving to Ibrox.

The former Charlton centre-back almost joined Premiership side West Brom until Walter Smith stepped in with a £2.5million bid.

It was a straight choice between Glasgow and the Midlands for Bougherra but with Hemdani's persuasion he opted for the SPL.

Both players became friends this summer when they linked up for Algeria in a series of friendlies and World Cup qualifiers.

When they returned, Hemdani had Bougherra on the phone constantly quizzing him about life in Scotland.

The midfielder is delighted Madjid - who made his debut at Falkirk yesterday - opted for Gers.

Brahim said: "Majhid is pleased to be here. He is strong in the air and he's comfortable on the ball.

"It's a fantastic move for the club. He called me about 10 times to ask me things.

"He wanted to know about the players and if Glasgow was a good place to live.

"We are good friends. We played together for the national team and I'm very happy he's joined the club."