Algeria head coach Djamel Belmadi has told The Guardian that Nottingham Forest midfielder Adlene Guedioura is undroppable.
The nation head into tonight’s African Cup of Nations Final against Senegal in confident spirits.
Algeria will be looking to win the competition for the second time, with Guedioura becoming a key part of Belmadi’s team.
The 33-year-old has featured in five games at the tournament so far.
He fell out of favour at Forest last season, following Martin O’Neill’s appointment as manager.
Belmadi has been delighted with the midfielder’s contribution from the middle of the park, however.
He told The Guardian: “He was really unfairly criticised – irrationally.
“I insisted he was at this press conference because I wanted to credit him in front of everyone.
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“We spoke like men before the Cup of Nations. I would say he’s undroppable now.”
Algeria have defeated tonight’s opponents already in the competition and will hope to replicate that result tonight.
The Seat Pitch Summary
Despite his good form at international level, Guedioura might not kick another ball for Nottingham Forest.
The 33-year-old has been linked with a move to Kuwait in recent days and it remains to be seen what the future holds.
It would be a remarkable achievement if Algeria were to lift the trophy.
An emotional Guedioura shed tears of joy on the turf after the semi-final win over Nigeria and playing for his country clearly means a lot to him.
His days at Forest could well be numbered. A move might prove to be best for all parties but those of a Forest persuasion will still hope to see their man do well tonight.
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