Rangers have taken Ismael Bouzid, the former Hearts and Kilmarnock defender, on a "short-term trial".

The Algeria internationalist was a surprise participant as Ally McCoist's squad returned for pre-season.

The centre-back made 65 appearances for Hearts before leaving for Greek football in 2011 but a return to Scottish football did not go to plan last season. The 30-year-old made the last of four appearances for Killie in October before being struck by a knee injury and failed to break back into the first team despite being handed a new contract in January. The Rangers official website stated that McCoist would "assess Bouzid over the next few days".

There was no sign of Bouzid's former Kilmarnock team-mate, Kris Boyd, who has held talks over a return amid interest from Aberdeen.