But Madjid Bougherra knows, for the people of his homeland, the World Cup must have felt like it was a million miles away at times.

It has been 24 years since the north African nation last graced the world's greatest football competition, securing their place at this summer's tournament in November 2009 when they beat bitter rivals Egypt in a qualification tie-breaker.

Les Fennecs - or the Desert Foxes - enjoyed back-to-back World Cup campaigns, in 1982 and 1986, with their involvement the first time around probably best remembered for their controversial exit as West Germany and Austria appeared to engineer the result that would take them through at the Africans' expense.

Since then, it has been a long wait to take their place at the top table among the best footballing nations on the planet.

As far as Bougherra is concerned, this summer's journey to South Africa will be worth the wait as Algeria prepare to face Slovenia, the USA and England, who, in his opinion, are one of just three teams capable of claiming the silverware.

"For Algeria, the World Cup is immense because, for 24 years, we were not at the World Cup," said the Rangers defender.

"You can see everywhere the happiness we give to the country. Brazil, Spain and England - for me, they are the three teams who can win the World Cup.

"It is good to play with players such as (Wayne) Rooney, (Steven) Gerrard and (Frank) Lampard. For all of the Algerian people and the team, it's going to be a good test.

"We play football to play this game - that's it."

Born in Longvic, in France, and raised in what he has described as the "ghetto" of Dijon, Bougherra opted to represent Algeria, the country of his grandfather's birth.

He has revealed how his maiden appearance for the under-21s prompted his father, Abdelhouhab, to break down in tears.

He then made his full debut in a World Cup qualifier in June 2004 against Zimbabwe and has since established himself as a crucial figure in the national team, recently winning the Ballon d'Or for the best Algerian footballer of 2009.

"I have responsibility, and every player for Algeria has responsibility, because we are like a model for the young people in Algeria," he said.

"Now we need to be careful about what we say, what we do, because all of Algeria loves us."

Such is his fierce loyalty to his adopted nation, at times, the 27-year-old appeared to put country before club.

He was late in reporting back from international duty on a number of occasions throughout the season, incidents he put down to the theft of his personal belongings, including his passport, and his child being ill.

Far from taking Rangers for granted, he says the Scottish champions should be credited for raising his profile and ensuring the world knows exactly who Madjid Bougherra is ahead of the biggest occasion in his football career so far.

"When I came to Rangers, my image changed completely," he told BBC Alba's Club TV.

"Madjid Bougherra was not the same Madjid Bougherra as before.

"I need to say 'thank you' to Rangers and to the fans. I am this player because Rangers gave me the opportunity to show the world what I can do, because all of the media looks to Rangers.

"Thank you to the gaffer, Walter Smith, because he gave me confidence. He told me, 'Do what you want, play your game' - and that's what I need."