WALTER SMITH moved to strengthen his squad by signing the powerful French-Algerian centre back from Charlton for £2.5million in July of 2008.

The Algerian international arrived with a reputation as a versatile defender or midfielder who favoured the centre back role.

The French-born star was also being chased by West Brom at the time but Rangers struck a deal and the player signed a four-year deal.

Born in Longvic, France, Bougherra is well known for his uncompromising style at the back, as well as his willingness to bring the ball out of defence.

He made his name with FC Gueugnon and then joined Crewe Alexandra on loan at the end of January 2006.

Upon Crewe's relegation from the Championship (after playing 11 games and scoring once), he joined Sheffield Wednesday - then bossed by Paul Sturrock - with the Owls parting with around £300,000.

He made 29 appearances for Wednesday before moving to Charlton in January 2007.

And when he became available Smith made his move to bring in a partner for Davie Weir and a replacement for Carlos Cuellar.

It proved to be a spectacularly successful bit of business for the Gers boss as his new signing quickly settled in to the style of the Scottish game and became a fans favourite.

A string of top drawer performances saw supporters select him as their Player of the Year in a debut season that saw him lift both the Scottish Cup and SPL title.

Speculation linking Bougherra with a return south of the border was a constant presence in the second half of that debut season but the popular Algerian repeatedly insisted his desire was to secure the league crown and with it Champions League football.

He played a major role in achieving that goal before helping his country to cement their place at the top of their World Cup Qualifying section in the summer of 2009.